St John

 

Valletta is home to some of the most architecturally-beautiful churches in Malta including St John’s Co-Cathedral which is host to some of Malta’s finest paintings.

This elegant city boasts a number of beautiful churches, all but one being Roman Catholic.  The exceptions are St Andrews Scots church, an interdenominational church providing services for Christians in general and the Anglican Cathedral of St.Paul’s.

Valletta’s, and possibly Malta’s most famous church is St. John's Co-Cathedral, located in the centre of the city, just off Republic street. It was built by the Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar for the Knights of St John between 1573 and 1578. The cathedral is known for its stunning interior, typical of the high-Baroque period. The church is richly decorated with paintings, sculptures, and tapestries by famous artists such as Caravaggio and  Mattia Preti. It also features eight chapels dedicated to the different Langues of the Order of St John.  

The Church of St Francis of Assisi is located on Republic Street. A historical building dating back to the 16th century, the church underwent a number of renovations. It houses important artworks including statues, frescoes and paintings.

St. Augustine Church, located on Old Bakery Street, was originally built by Girolamo Cassar. However, the church was rebuilt in 1765 by Giuseppe Bonnici. The church is built in the shape of a Greek cross and features Baroque styling.

Our Lady of Victories was the first building erected in Valletta. It was built on the site of the religious ceremony marking the laying of the foundation stone.

Other churches in the city include:

  • Our Lady of Fair Heavens & St. Dominic
  • Our Lady of Mount Carmel
  • St. Catherine of Italy
  • St. Barbara
  • Christ the Redeemer
  • Our Lady of Damascus
  • St. Catherine
  • Shipwreck of St Paul
  • St. Roque
  • St. Lucy
  • St Mary of Jesus
  • Circumcision of the Lord (Jesuits’ Church)
  • Blessed Virgin
  • St Ursola
  • St. Nicholas
  • Blessed Virgin of Liesse
  • Flight of the Holy Family into Egypt
  • Our Lady of Pilar

Masses are available throughout the week, but the highlight of year has to be the celebration of the feast relating to the church. For example, the feast of the Shipwreck of St Paul, celebrated on the 10th of February, sees splendid processions and general merriment throughout the streets of Valletta.

Check out the mass times by visiting www.quddies.com.mt

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