Visiting the 365 churches and chapels of Malta takes years! Apart from the must-see co-cathedrals of Valletta and Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta, we have selected five churches to visit in Malta during your trip. Sometimes confidential, they are open free of charge and bear witness to a historical episode in Malta.
Visit the church of St. Paul the shipwrecked in Valletta
Built by the Maltese architect, Cassar, in 1577, the church “St Paul’s Shipwreck” is a tribute to St Paul who was shipwrecked in Malta in the year 60. He managed to convert the governor Publius to Christianity. Malta thus became one of the first Christian lands in the Roman Empire. Saint Paul is the Patron Saint of Valletta and every February 10th, a big procession celebrates the date of his shipwreck. Its baroque interior with remarkable frescoes recalls the co-cathedral of St. John. In one part of the building, precious relics are kept.
Tip: Enter through the side entrance of the church into the beautiful St. Lucia Street.
Visit the church of Saint Mary of Mosta
Also called Rotunda or Dome of Saint Mary, it is for the Maltese synonymous with pride: its splendid dome of almost 39 meters in diameter is the 4th in Europe. Completed in 1871 and financed by donations from the inhabitants of Mosta, its plan was inspired by the Pantheon of Rome. Its construction lasted 27 years and was almost destroyed on April 9, 1942: a German bomb pierced the dome without exploding during mass! A miracle that spared this pure marvel of Malta’s heritage.
Tip: Linger in the small museum run by parishioners ready to provide information
Visit Our Lady of Victory Church in Mellieħa
A popular place of pilgrimage, the building contains the oldest shrine in Malta dedicated to the Virgin and dates from the end of the 16th century. Due to its popularity, It has been expanded and modified several times throughout history. Perched on the heights of Mellieħa, it overlooks the north of Malta with a beautiful view of Gozo and Comino.
The sacristy with its numerous ex-voto testifies to the fervor of the Maltese towards Our Lady. Two remarkable statues: St. Anne and St. Paul, as well as the painting by Guiseppe Cali “The Shipwreck of St. Paul” deserve special attention.
During his visit to Malta in 1990, Pope John Paul II came to pay his respects in these places.
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Visit the Church of Our Lady of Victory in Valletta
First and oldest church built in 1567 by the Order of St. John in the capital of Malta, its name was chosen to commemorate the victory over the Turks in 1565. Small church by its size but important in the history of Valletta: until 1577, the Grand Master builder of the city rested there. When the co-cathedral of St. John was completed, his remains were moved there. Modified at the end of the 17th century, remodeled in the 18th century, the church is currently being renovated while remaining open to the public: An opportunity to see the various trades at work.
Visit the church of Saint Lawrence of Birgu
Before the construction of Valletta and St. John’s Cathedral, St. Lawrence of Birgu was the church of the Knights of Malta. Built between 1681 and 1697 on the plans of the most important architect of that time, Lorenzo Gafa, the current building is a magnificent example of the Baroque. novel. Damaged during the Second World War, it has been very well restored. The feast of St. Lawrence, August 10 gives every summer of beautiful animations in Birgu
NB: Always wear a downhill suit in summer. Sometimes stoles are available to cover bare shoulders. Also read the signs at the entrances regarding the use of flashlights, the times of services…. and remember that you are in a place of worship.
Read our article on the history of Malta
