- Address: Malta, L-Imdina, Triq Santu Rokku
- Phone: +356 2145 6620
- Official website: www.mdinacathedral.com
- Discovery: 1702
- Architect: Lorenzo Gafa
Mdina is a city in which time has stopped. The medieval capital of Malta stores a large number of masterpieces of art and has many attractions. St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina is the most interesting landmark that all Maltese are so proud of. It is really great both outside and inside. At the moment it is an active cathedral, so during a visit you can find a service or mass.
From the history
Local residents of Malta believe that St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina was built on the very spot of Malta, where the first Bishop Publius met the apostle Paul after the famous shipwreck. Unfortunately, after the earthquake in 1693, the cathedral was destroyed and it had to be rebuilt. The first St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina was built in 1675 by the famous Maltese Count Roger of Normandy, together with the architect Lorenzo Gaf.
After the destructive elements, when dismantling the first cathedral under the foundation, a valuable treasure was found - gold coins with the coat of arms. Because of this finding, a serious quarrel broke out between the bishop of the city and the Grand Master, but in 1702 all disagreements ceased and the new St. Paul's Cathedral was consecrated. Surprisingly, after the earthquake, the masterpieces of the works of art of the first cathedral could be preserved, which even today all visitors can appreciate.
St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina was crowned with a huge extraordinary dome in 1710. Local residents believe that in this creation Gaf surpassed himself. However, it was this building that gave Gaf the world fame, because its unique silhouette and decorative appearance fascinates all visitors of Mdina. In 1950, the dome of the cathedral was refined, like all decorative elements.
And what's inside?
St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina is an example of a luxurious baroque. A mature style, both outside and inside the temple, captivates all parishioners and tourists. The interior decoration of the walls and ceiling is similar to the Cathedral of St. John. It also has an amazing mosaic floor made of tombstones to knights, as well as representatives of the Maltese aristocracy. The historical value of the cathedral is represented by the frescoes of the shipwreck of the Apostle Paul. The most interesting and charming frescoes are in the cathedral's aspidum.
Great value for St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina was Mattia Preti's painting "The Appeal of St. Paul", which could survive during the earthquake. In addition to this creation, an exquisite painting "The Madonna and the Child" of the 15th century is considered important. In the cathedral there are many engravings of the famous Albrecht Durer - a world engraver, a maestro of woodcuts.
The clock at St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina attracts the sight of many tourists. Two dials of watches are created for the account of time and date. Based on the legend, this watch was created in order to confuse the devil and prevent it from entering the cathedral.
At the moment, near the altar in the cathedral, weddings are held. So, as 60% of the population of Mdina are believers, then the ceremony of the wedding is considered compulsory and only in this cathedral. The surprising fact was that after the wedding in St. Paul's Cathedral Mdina was practically not divorced.
How to get to the cathedral?
You can easily get to St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina. This temple can be seen from anywhere in the city. It is located in the central square of St. Paul in the center. In this area, absolutely all types of public transport , including buses (except inter-races) go. Travel cost you 1,5 euro.
The entrance to the temple is absolutely free for all visitors. He works daily from 8.30 to 17.00. At 6 pm, services or mass are held, which can only be visited by local parishioners.
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