How to visit and what to see in St. John's Co-Cathedral (Valletta): schedules

When considering a trip to Malta Surely you are aware of the great and historical loyalty that the Maltese have to the Catholic Church.

Therefore you should not be surprised by the large number of churches that you will find in your walk through Valletta or other corners of the island, as well as the numerous domes and religious statues that you can see.

Now, the great religious temple of the island is, without a doubt, the Co-Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist that you can visit in the capital of the small Maltese country, Valletta.

At the outset I can tell you that in front of the enormous sobriety of its façade you will find an interior with such splendor that, among the many churches and cathedrals that I have visited, only the one in the Church of the Company in Quito, Ecuador.

In contrast, the aforementioned sobriety of the main façade has a historical reason.

History St. Baptist Co-Cathedral in Valletta

La Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem that had settled in the island of Malta was intended to protect the catholic faith and Europe from the danger of Ottoman Turks.

After Great Site 1595, the Knights of the Order of Saint John they decided to convert Valletta in a great fortress in keeping with the importance of the nobles who were part of the aforementioned military order.

And, of course, in a capital of such high rank a cathedral could not be missing, which was completed in 1577.

What to see when visiting the San Juan Co-Cathedral

Now when you arrive before the St. John's Co-Cathedral located in the historic center of Valletta You will see its very austere, fortification-type façade, flanked by two bell towers.

It should be noted that during my recent visit one of the towers was undergoing renovation work and covered by a large, properly decorated canvas.

As I have already mentioned, you are going to get the big surprise when you access the interior.

After going through the ticket office and paying the entrance fee, you will pick up an audio guide that will allow you to continue the visit.

Interior decoration of the St. John's Co-Cathedral

Its interior, as happens with that of the aforementioned Jesuit church in Quito, does not stand out for its large dimensions.

Will be your splendid interior decoration, which will really leave you impressed, with its carved walls covered in gold leaf, and with paintings on the walls and ceiling vaults.

The co-cathedral is arranged with a central nave divided into two parts, with the main altar as the main area, and with a succession of chapels arranged on the two sides of said central nave.

That lavish decoration of Baroque It was implemented after its construction.

It was in the 17th century when, after the arrival of said architectural style, the new decoration was commissioned from the Calabrian artist. Mattia Pretti.

In your walk through the interior of the co-cathedral With the company of the audio guide you will be able to see the decoration of the vault where episodes from the life of San Juan Bautista.

It should be noted that the stones of the church walls were carved directly on site, instead of using the usual stucco technique.

Also look at the floor of the central nave, a true treasure, with marble tombstones which show a lavish decoration with symbols and representations of stories of the most important knights.

Chapels of the Order of Malta in St. John's Co-Cathedral

As I have mentioned, on both sides of the central nave there are eight chapels, which are dedicated to the different sections (or languages) of the order of maltese.

For example you can see the chapels of Aragon, France, Italy or the Anglo-Bavarian.

Caravaggio paintings in St. John's Co-Cathedral

La visit of the Co-Cathedral of Saint John in Valletta you will complete it in the museum where you will be able to see paintings of Caravaggio,  in the old room Oratory.

Specifically, one of the great masterpieces of the Italian painter, The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, which is the largest canvas painted by the 16th century artist and is the best example of his chiaroscuro technique.

St. John's Co-Cathedral opening hours in Valletta

The Visiting hours of the St. John's Co-Cathedral They are currently Monday to Friday, from 9,30:14,30 a.m. to 9,30:14,30 p.m., and on Saturdays from XNUMX:XNUMX a.m. to XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., in both cases with ticket offices closing half an hour earlier.

The co-cathedral is closed to visitors on Sundays and holidays.

San Juan Co-Cathedral ticket prices

Speaker ticket prices They are, adults, 15 euros; seniors and students, 7,50 euros; and children under 12 years old, free.