Situated in the center of Valletta, near the main square and the national library.
The Co-Cathedral was built for the Knights of the Order of St John.
It is for this reason also that it bears the name of the Grand Master who asked for the construction - Jean de la Cassière.
From the outside, the cathedral looks very austere.
Hence the surprise once you enter in.
The Co-Cathedral is a true jewel of the Baroque.
The interior is very rich: tapestries, paintings, sculptures.
There is a Caravaggio, and paintings by Mattia Preti.
The Co-Cathedral has eight chapels, each dedicated to one of the eight languages of the Order.
The languages of the Order are administrative divisions, instituted for better management:
- Auvergne
- Castille/Leon and Portugal
- England
- France
- Italy
- Germany
- Provence.
Why Co-Cathedral?
In Malta, two churches obtained the name of "cathedral".
The two churches are the Cathedral of St John (Valletta), and the Cathedral St Peter and St Paul in Mdina.
This right was conferred on them by Pope Pius VII. And the two churches, have to share the name of "cathedral".
Hence the "Co-Cathedral".
USEFUL INFORMATIONS
Type of place :
Cultural/Historique
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday : 9,30h - 16,30h
Saturday : 9,30h - 12,30h
Closed on Sundays, and public holidays.
For more information about entrance fees, ecclesiastical services, and others - visit the official website :
