The cathedral's floor is composed of multicolored marble tombstones marking the burial sites of noble Maltese families and bishops.
The clock display on the exterior is a traditional Maltese architectural feature designed with mismatched times to prevent demonic interference.
The main altarpiece depicts the conversion of St. Paul and is the work of Mattia Preti.
The building's foundation rests upon the traditional site where the Roman Governor Publius is said to have met St. Paul following his shipwreck.
The cathedral houses two large 17th-century pipe organs located on the choir loft.
During the French occupation of Malta in 1798, the cathedral was looted of many of its gold and silver treasures.
St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina, Malta, is the Metropolitan Cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta. Built between 1696 and 1705, the structure replaced a medieval cathedral that was largely destroyed in the 1693 Sicily earthquake. Designed by architect Lorenzo Gafà, it is a prominent example of Maltese Baroque architecture. The cathedral interior features a vaulted ceiling, marble floors inlaid with the heraldic coats of arms of bishops and noble families, and a 15th-century icon of the Madonna and Child. Its twin towers house two distinct clocks, one displaying the date and the other the time, intended to confuse the devil. The cathedral serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Malta. The adjoining Cathedral Museum houses a collection of coins, woodcuts by Albrecht Dürer, and historical ecclesiastical silverware.
From the center of St. Paul's Square looking up at the facade to capture the symmetry of the twin towers.
Visit the attached Cathedral Museum to view the comprehensive collection of religious artifacts and medieval woodcuts.
Walk the full length of the nave to observe the intricate marble floor designs.
Consider using an audio guide to identify the specific heraldic symbols embedded in the floor.
Avoid visiting during active liturgical services unless you are there to participate, as tourist movement is restricted.
Closed to visitors during religious services, weddings, and funerals.
Modest dress is required; shoulders and knees must be covered. Silence is strictly observed inside the nave.
