Since the middle of the 16th century Malta was under the leadership of the Knights of St John, whose patron saint was St John, so immediately after the siege of the island the Knights began to build a cathedral in honor of the patron saint, the Johnites were influential and wealthy: the best materials were used in construction and decoration of attractions, famous masters were invited - in a word, they spared no expense to build a large and luxurious monastery. Today, tourists can see the cathedral outside and inside virtually unchanged: everything has been preserved here for centuries.
Features of the cathedral
Times were turbulent, and the Grand Master ordered the cathedral to be built inaccessible: from the outside it was to resemble a fort, and the task was performed by engineer Cassar, a famous builder of fortresses and defenses. The entrance to the cathedral is quite modest: columns and a small superstructure, two bell towers at the edges. It is hard to believe the expensive furniture inside, looking at the simple, unremarkable entrance.
The cathedral is built as a rectangle with 13 chapels attached on different sides: the main ones are 8 (they are designed for 8 langas (detachments) of the Ioannites). Arched passageways lead from the main aisle to the chapels, and the nave itself is characterized by luxury and unique refinement: the walls and ceiling depict moments of St. John's life, which appear three-dimensional and very realistic. The walls and floor of the nave contain tombstones of noble knights and rulers of Malta. The altar of the cathedral holds tributes to many rulers of the state and the sculptural group "Baptism of Christ", created back in the 17th century.
- German Langa: Famous for the rare painting in the center of the altar in honor of the Epiphany
- Italian Langa: distinguished by its rich gold decoration and paintings in honor of St. Catherine
- French Langa: Dedicated to the Apostle Paul and decorated with wooden carvings that were carried over from here in the 19th century: only a small part has survived, but in excellent condition
- Provençal Langa: the oldest in the cathedral, decorated with paintings and stonework
- Anglo-Bavarian Langa: small sculptures by talented artists stand out.
- The Chapel of Our Lady of Sorrows: one of the most beautiful, with gold-plated elements, mosaics and sculptures
- The Langa Auvergne: it attracts visitors with bas-reliefs and garlands of gold. The chapel is dedicated to St. Sebastian.
- Langa Aragon: stands out for its sumptuous Baroque elements.
- Langa of Castile, Portugal and Leon: the decoration is distinguished by Italian paintings and gilded objects. The chapel is dedicated to St. John.
Other rooms
Sculptures and rare paintings are located in the oratorio of the cathedral, the interior is decorated with rich bas-reliefs, the walls and ceiling are difficult to paint. There is a gallery and an exhibition hall - they store gifts to the cathedral from the Grand Masters of the Order, paintings and rare books. The pride of the gallery is a collection of Caravaggio paintings and dozens of religious relics. There is also a separate room with burial places in the cathedral: many great knights of the Order of St. John are resting here.
Interesting Facts
- Locals often call the cathedral a museum because of the abundance of luxury and historical, cultural monuments.
- The level of preservation of the building and the interior is very high, which is rare: visiting the cathedral, you can plunge into the atmosphere of the Johannites of the 16-17th centuries.
- The entrance fee is 10 € and the cathedral is closed for guided tours on Sundays.
- The central nave is 53 meters long.
