In Valletta, one of Malta’s most treasured landmarks offers premium after-hours tours for those seeking a rare and intimate encounter with history.

“I can proudly say, St John’s Co-Cathedral is the next thing to the Vatican,” says Tonio Mallia, CEO of The St John’s Co-Cathedral Foundation – a remark that reveals the profound reverence this 450-year-old monument inspires in Malta.

Although Paris’s Notre Dame, Milan’s Duomo, London’s St Paul’s Cathedral, and of course the Vatican City’s St Peter’s Basilica are world-renowned, St John’s Co-Cathedral holds a unique place in the hearts of the Maltese and the esteem of art historians worldwide.

Photo Credit: Leander Schembri 

Commissioned by the Order of the Knights of St John in honour of their patron saint St John the Baptist, and built between 1572 and 1577, the conventual church is unmissable for Baroque art enthusiasts – or anyone visiting Malta. Its beautiful but simple Mannerist façade, more fortress than church in appearance, gives no hint of the opulence within. Step through its doors and you’re met with jaw-dropping gilded detail, dramatic artworks and centuries of rich history.

For admirers of Caravaggio, St John’s Co-Cathedral is a true delight. It houses two of the artist’s most important works, both painted during his brief but eventful time in Malta and widely regarded the finest of his late period. The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist is a centrepiece of Malta’s artistic heritage – celebrated both for its powerful, dramatic imagery and as the only painting Caravaggio ever signed. Equally compelling is Saint Jerome Writing, another masterpiece that showcases the genius of one of history’s most influential painters.

Photo Credit: Kurt Arrigo

Also impressive are the works of Mattia Preti, whose Baroque ceiling frescoes – painted between 1661 and 1666 – narrate scenes from the life of St John the Baptist. Beneath your feet lie 405 intricately decorated tombstones honouring Knights and European nobility. Add to this: nine chapels, the Grand Master’s crypt, intricate sculptures, thousands of artefacts, priceless silverware – everywhere you look there is something extraordinary to take in.

And yet, despite its grandeur, this historical gem in Malta’s stunning UNESCO-listed capital, Valletta, maintains a welcoming atmosphere – even as it receives some 2,500 visitors each day. It’s this sense of openness that frames our conversation with Mr Mallia.

While a daytime visit is undeniably impressive, the Co-Cathedral’s after-hours tours offer an intimate, captivating experience for those seeking a more exclusive and unforgettable encounter. “Entering the Co-Cathedral for a closed-door visit is really something,” Mr Mallia says. “Guests discover a space transformed – quiet, private and almost otherworldly.”

These curated tours cater to individuals or groups seeking a more personal encounter. While day visitors must often navigate crowds of 350 or more, evening visitors enjoy unrestricted access, moving freely and immersing themselves at their own pace.

The exclusivity goes beyond tranquillity. Premium groups gain access to normally restricted spaces like the Grand Masters’ Crypt, usually visible only from behind glass. Specialist guides can tailor experiences to explore themes like architectural detail, tombstones, works of art, or the role of the Order of St John. Private concerts are also possible. “Imagine being treated to a recital in the Oratory performed on the Co-Cathedral’s 400-year-old organ,” Mr Mallia enthuses. “It’s an unforgettable experience that’s only available to after-hours visitors.”

As for who visits? “Everyone,” Mr Mallia says, from discerning cultural travellers to corporate groups to A-listers. “We’ve welcomed famous athletes, dignitaries and celebrities. For them, privacy and security are key. A public visit just isn’t practical.”

Photo Credit: Leander Schembri 

While the Co-Cathedral accepts bookings directly, most evening visits are arranged through local agencies that craft bespoke itineraries, adding touches that make each visit distinctive.

Asked about the inspiration behind the after-hours experience, Mr Mallia explains: “this is a new era for St John’s Co-Cathedral. I approach it with both curatorial and business lenses. We were inspired by premium experiences elsewhere, including the Vatican’s private Sistine Chapel tours.”

Crucially, these tours are not just a luxury; they’re a lifeline and play a crucial role in preserving the Co-Cathedral’s legacy. “This is a self-funded foundation,” Mr Mallia stresses. “Every restoration project – like our upcoming €6 million main vault project – depends on the revenue generated.”

Looking ahead, the state-of-the-art museum is now at the construction completion stage, and will soon be moving on to the engineering works and finishing phase. With its belfry, clock room and gallery already restored and open to the public, the final extension will showcase the Sacred Vestments, Silver Collection, Illuminated Manuscripts, and the Cappella Ardente. Perhaps most notably, 29 magnificent Flemish Baroque tapestries – one of Europe’s finest surviving sets – will be displayed in a permanent space following a 16-year restoration.

Photo Credit: Kurt Arrigo

“To be fair, the Co-Cathedral is already a museum!” Mr Mallia smiles, “but our standalone museum will be another gem for the public to enjoy.”

Ultimately, these exclusive visits do more than dazzle. They protect a legacy. “This is a living monument – not just the resting place of Knights and nobles, but an active church with daily mass,” Mr Mallia reflects. “Our mission is to curate and preserve it in its full glory and pristine state so that it continues to inspire for generations to come. And I believe we’re achieving that. Our efforts never stop.”

This article first appeared on Guide Me 2025.