10 breath-taking photos that prove St John’s Co-Cathedral is Valletta’s most beautiful site
Commissioned by Order of St John Grand Master Jean de la Cassière, St John’s Co-Cathedral is nearing its 500th year. Built between 1572 and 1577, and designed by famed Maltese architect Girolamo Cassar, it is one of Europe’s best examples of high Baroque architecture.
Originally, it was intended as a conventual church, but after the sacking of the Order by the French, the church rose to prominence and became the equivalent of Mdina’s St Paul’s Cathedral, which serves as the bishop’s seat. The head of church in Malta could alternate between both houses of prayer, thus earning the Valletta church the title of co-cathedral.
Access to the church is relatively restricted, with visitors allowed a tour during a fixed amount of time, or for official functions and events. As such, we’ve compiled 10 pictures to showcase the jawdropping beauty of Valletta’s St John’s Co-Cathedral.
1. The Nave
2. Caravaggio's The Beheading of St John the Baptist
3. Ornate corridor connecting the different chapels
4. Wall decorations
5. The main altar
6. The Chapel of The Language of Germany
7. Marble tombstones
8. Wall ceiling decorations
9. Caravaggio's St Jerome
10. Ceiling fresco paintings
Absolutely stunning!