Information
Landmark: St. Paul's Anglican CathedralCity: Valletta
Country: Malta
Continent: Europe
St. Paul's Anglican Cathedral, Valletta, Malta, Europe
Overview
In the heart of Valletta, Malta’s bustling capital, St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral rises as a cherished landmark, steeped in history and faith.It functions as the pro-cathedral for the Anglican Diocese of Europe and is dedicated to St. Paul-the apostle said to have survived a shipwreck on Malta’s rocky coast in 60 AD.Let’s take a closer look at the cathedral.Its foundation stone was set in 1839, placing St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral among the newer landmarks in Valletta, especially beside older neighbors whose weathered walls date back centuries.The cathedral rose during Malta’s years under British rule, built to serve the island’s Anglican community.By 1844, its stone walls stood complete, and the bells rang for its consecration.Architect William Scamp designed the building in a neoclassical style, blending touches of Greek Revival and Baroque, with tall columns that catch the afternoon light.It’s dedicated to St. Paul, honoring his deep ties to Malta.The Bible says St. Paul was shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD as he made his way to Rome, his vessel broken by waves and wind.Many regard this event as a key turning point in the island’s early Christian history.At St. Paul’s Bay, a small whitewashed chapel marks the spot where he’s said to have been shipwrecked, though in Valletta it’s St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral that dominates the skyline.Its exterior, all clean lines and balanced symmetry, follows a neoclassical design, complete with tall, dignified columns.Four tall columns hold up a pediment, a hallmark of Greek Revival style.The main entrance boasts carved stone details, and the cathedral’s dome rises high above Valletta’s rooftops, catching the light at sunset.Inside, the space follows the classic Christian church layout, grand and orderly.Sunlight pours through tall windows, flooding the cathedral’s central aisle as it leads to an ornate altar framed by rows of polished wooden pews.Neoclassical details line the walls, and a grand organ stands at the back, its pipes gleaming in the dim light during services and festivals.The wooden pews and finely carved stone echo both neoclassical elegance and British colonial influence, while the choir stalls display intricate woodwork the cathedral is famed for.Marble lines the altar, where a memorial plaque honors Queen Victoria and her role in Malta’s history under British rule.Overhead, the great dome rises in graceful curves, one of the cathedral’s most striking architectural triumphs.From many spots around Valletta, you can see the dome rising against the sky, a landmark that makes the cathedral stand out.St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral still welcomes Anglican worshippers in Malta and draws visitors curious about the island’s faith and history.Inside, the air often carries the faint scent of candle wax during Sunday worship, Holy Communion, and festive services for Christmas, Easter, and other important days.The Anglican community gathers here for weddings and baptisms, the air often filled with flowers and quiet laughter.Beyond worship, St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral is a lively heart of the island’s cultural and social life.The cathedral hosts charity events, lively concerts, and intimate recitals, serving as a vibrant center for both worship and culture.It’s also where Malta’s international community-especially English-speaking expats-comes together for friendship and support.Inside, sunlight falls across memorials honoring key figures from Malta’s past, including several prominent Britons.Among them are plaques honoring British military officers and other prominent figures from the colonial era, including a memorial to Sir Thomas Maitland, who governed Malta from 1813 to 1824 and pushed through notable architectural and administrative reforms; the cathedral’s organ, rich and resonant, draws both music lovers and those fascinated by the story of liturgical music.During services and special performances, the instrument fills the cathedral with a deep, resonant sound that heightens its solemn grandeur.Sunlight spilling through St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral’s stained glass windows catches vivid blues and reds, many of them illustrating scenes from St. Paul’s life and the early Christian church.These windows add to the room’s beauty and quietly share the story of Malta’s early Christian past.You’ll find St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral on St. Paul’s Street, right in the heart of Valletta’s historic district.Visitors can reach it easily-it sits right in the city’s heart, just steps from the main square.St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral sits just a short walk from Valletta’s Upper Barracca Gardens and the Grand Harbour, right in the heart of the city’s UNESCO World Heritage area.Its nearness to other historic sites makes it a must-see for anyone exploring Malta’s capital.Step inside to admire its elegant stone arches, uncover its links to Malta’s past and the British colonial era, or join a guided tour that brings the story of St. Paul to life.You can also attend a service or simply enjoy the quiet, sunlit interior.The cathedral welcomes visitors on weekdays and Sundays, with set hours for both sightseeing and worship.Be sure to check the official schedule so you don’t miss any special events, concerts, or services during your visit.Just steps away, the Grand Harbour spreads out in a sweep of deep blue, lined with centuries-old forts and historic sites.A short walk brings you to the Upper Barracca Gardens, where the breeze carries the scent of flowers and the view takes in the Three Cities.Nearby stands the Auberge de Castille, the grandest of them all.
