The most beautiful churches cathedrals basilicas and chapels Valette

Guarded by two sturdy bronze cannons, it's one of the city's masterpieces, for its historical and architectural value. And if you're only going to visit once, this is the one to choose. An inscription near the side entrance, through which the knights entered, reminds us mortals of the brevity of our passage on earth: "You who walk on the dead, remember that one day you will be walked on" Built between 1575 and 1577, St. John's Co-Cathedral was designed by Gerolamo Cassar. It is his masterpiece. It was financed by Grand Master Jean l'Evesque de La Cassière and dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, patron saint of the Order. At the time, Malta's cathedral was Saint-Paul de Mdina. In 1816, under English rule, Pope Pius VII granted it the status of co-cathedral, a remarkable status given that few dioceses have two cathedrals. Consecrated on February 20, 1578, it was enriched for two centuries by each of the grand masters, who were required to make a donation on election. The exterior is sober, with a simple, symmetrical façade and Doric columns framing the entrance.

Note the three clocks on the right pediment, indicating the day, date and time. Opposite the building is a small square, guarded by a bust of Enrico Mizzi, where you'll find it pleasant to lounge under a parasol after your visit.

While the exterior appears almost austere, the interior is sumptuous and extremely ornate, having been extensively decorated by Mattia Preti at the height of the Baroque period (carved stone walls, etc.). The high, majestic vaults and the marble floor under which the knights sleep give the cathedral an atmosphere of great solemnity... In all, over 400 knightly tombs in red, white and black marble, with skeletons and coats of arms.

The workmanship of the marble, imported from Italy, most often from Carrara, is impressive in the co-cathedral. Following the work, the marble tradition is still very much alive on the island, although this material, absent from Malta, is necessarily imported. Although it is no longer possible to be buried with the great masters in St. John's Co-Cathedral, it is still possible to have a marble tombstone made in Mdina Cathedral.

Oratory Museum. The Co-Cathedral Museum houses Caravaggio's famous painting, The Beheading of St. John (1608), on display in the oratory. The ultimate work of Malta's greatest painter, it is said to be the only painting to bear the artist's signature (visible in the blood of St. John).

The museum also features 28 Flemish tapestries from the ^17th and ^18th centuries. One series illustrates the story of Christ, the others are allegories. Based on designs by Rubens and a drawing by Poussin for The Last Supper, they were once used to decorate the interior of the cathedral. Only one tapestry depicts the man who commissioned them, Grand Master Perellos Roccaful, but all bear his coat of arms. All the gifts he made to the cathedral are recorded in embroidery. The museum also houses priestly vestments and silverware, which escaped Napoleonic plunder in 1798.

It is the first Protestant church built in Malta at the request of Queen Adelaide in 1838, and it is built on the site of the former hostel in Germany. Built under the direction of two English architects, the first of whom committed suicide as soon as structural problems arose, and completed in 1844, it can accommodate 1,500 people. Its portal with Ionic columns and its 60m spire, which contributes to the beauty of the urban profile of the capital, are particularly noteworthy.

Built in the th century, this beautiful red dome church is due to Tomasso Dingli. The towers appear in the th century.

Its current state is the consequence of three centuries of construction and evolution that make it a real work of art. It is also called "the sanctuary" and the Maltese have been on pilgrimage from all over the island.

At the end of the esplanade stands the most visible and imposing building in Floriana: the parish church of St. Publius.It was built in honour of Publius, governor of Malta during the Roman period. The latter had been converted to Christianity by St. Paul, then a prisoner, in 60 AD. He later became the first bishop of Malta and died as a martyr in Athens. He was chosen as patron saint by the people of Floriana who decided to build a church. The first stone was laid in 1733 by Grand Master A. de Vilhena. The nave was not completed until 1792. In 1844 Floriana became a parish. Two new wings were added, as well as the columned portico in 1890. The church also has a dome and two bell towers housing six bells, the largest of which was cast in Naples. The building was severely damaged during the Second World War and was quickly restored to its original appearance thanks to an almost immediate reconstruction. Its façade is composed of a neoclassical portico topped by a triangular pediment, and a statue of Christ stands at the top of the façade. Inside there is an altarpiece by Antoine de Favray, completed by his pupil Filippo Vicenzo Pace, which relates the martyrdom of Saint Publius. Other paintings depict the shipwreck of Saint Paul and his stay on the island. You can also admire the statue of Saint Publius, dating from 1811 and work of the sculptor Vincenzo Dimech, which is carried during the annual procession.

Near the square, you can stop off at St. Joseph's Oratory, an ^18th-century chapel run by two charming pensioners. La Valette is said to have come here to pray just before the Great Siege. Here you can see his battle sword and hat. This fighting sword should not be confused with the jeweled sword offered by Philip II of Spain as a reward for his courage, now on display in the Louvre. In the oratory, you'll find a portrait of La Valette, attributed to one of Caravaggio's pupils. The master may have made a few alterations.

Still in the oratory, enthusiasts will find ex-votos, religious paintings, cherubs, crucifixes, bells, as well as candlesticks that once belonged to the Order, the flags of the various inns and letters from knights written to their mothers asking for money! You'll also be interested in a card game dating back to 1609, with which the knights played on the galleys. Very long silver scissors enabled the priest to bring plague victims to communion without having to go near them. Magnificent flags from the old inns are also on display.

Originally designed to accommodate orphans, this large building is now held by Dominican sisters.

Its exact origin is unknown. It is enlarged in 1615 and then rebuilt in 1861, when the dome is added. It is now a place of religious education for children.

Maria Bambina, celebrated on September 8, is officially known as the collegiate church of Notre-Dame-des-Victoires. Originally built in 1743, it was completely destroyed in 1941, the victim of a bombing raid intended to hit nearby Dockyard Creek. Rebuilt after the Second World War, the church is Baroque in style, with a frescoed dome and dark green marble pillars. In a small room behind the altar, the Maltese often gather before a statue of Christ carrying his cross, considered miraculous. John Paul II visited this church in 1990.

Located in Sliema, Malta, AX The Palace Malta is an ultra-hip 5-star hotel. It's just a 5-minute walk from the Mediterranean Sea and 6 km from the 16th-century Co-Cathedral of St. John. The hotel's rooms are warm and elegant, with free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, teapots, coffeemakers and an assortment of scented candles or incense. Superior rooms offer sea views and/or balconies. Suites are decorated in different styles and feature unique elements such as musical instruments, a telescope or original retro furniture. The hotel also offers a lively international restaurant, an elegant café/bar, a chic Asian restaurant and a trendy poolside bar on the rooftop terrace. Facilities include a luxury spa, gym, indoor pool and outdoor pool. The hotel also offers chargeable parking and is accessible to disabled guests.