More than 60 metres of spire make this Anglican pro-cathedral of the Diocese in Europe easy to pick out from Marsamxett Harbour. You come for a limestone church on Independence Square with an English organ inside.
Cathedral, Valletta. Meridian Dispatch.
It opens 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to 3pm on Saturdays, though on some days it opens and closes earlier. Plan a visit for Monday to Saturday.
Yes, according to one visitor guide, which lists entry to the cathedral as free of charge. Donations are appreciated, and they support the ongoing maintenance of the cathedral building.
Walk from City Gate down Republic Street, past the Parliament and the Grandmaster's Palace. Then branch off the street to Independence Square, where the cathedral stands.
The cathedral is built of Maltese limestone in a neo-classical style. Six columns with Ionic capitals carry the portico, while the columns inside are crowned with Corinthian capitals.
Its full name is the Pro-Cathedral and Collegiate Church of Saint Paul, and the dedication recalls the apostle Paul's shipwreck on Malta. The building stands on the site of the Auberge d'Allemagne, once the home of the German Knights Hospitaller.
Its organ came from Chester Cathedral in northwest England. The cathedral's own bells date from the 19th century.
Restoration of the bell tower was completed in 2025, closing a major project on the landmark that marks this part of the Valletta skyline.
Arrive through Independence Square and look at the portico and its columns from the square. Then go in by the West Street door.
Inside, look for the quire and rood screen on the west side of the building. Stop to read the memorial plaques as you move through the interior.
Before you leave, turn back towards the entrance and look up: the organ sits above the door. From the cathedral, walk on to the Lower Barrakka Gardens for open views over the water.
If you use a hearing aid, an induction loop is fitted, and large-print material and toilets are available.
The cathedral holds Book of Common Prayer services and hosts concerts and live music. Its own website, anglicanmalta.org, is where the cathedral posts what is on.
Stay in Valletta and two harbours are a short walk from your bed: the Barrakka Lift takes you down to the Grand Harbour for the ferry to the Three Cities, and on the other side of the city the Sliema ferry crosses Marsamxett.
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