St. John’s Co-Cathedral

Valletta, Malta

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St. John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is one of Malta’s most important religious and cultural landmarks. Built between 1573 and 1578 by the Order of St. John, it was designed by architect Girolamo Cassar and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist. While its exterior is relatively simple, the interior is a masterpiece of Baroque art and decoration, featuring richly gilded walls, painted ceilings, elaborate marble tombstones, and ornate chapels. It is widely regarded as one of the finest examples of high Baroque architecture in Europe. The cathedral is also famous for housing Caravaggio’s renowned painting, The Beheading of St. John the Baptist, considered one of the artist’s greatest works. Today, St. John’s Co-Cathedral remains an active place of worship and one of Malta’s most visited attractions, offering a remarkable insight into the island’s history, art, and heritage.