⛪ Mdina Cathedral

About This Sacred Site

The Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul in Mdina, Malta, is a Roman Catholic cathedral believed to be built on the site where the Apostle Paul converted Publius, the Roman governor, to Christianity around 60 CE. The cathedral showcases baroque architectural elements with a richly decorated interior, housing important religious artifacts and artworks. It serves as the spiritual heart of Mdina, the ancient capital, and remains a symbol of Malta’s Christian heritage.

History & Origins

Mdina Cathedral, officially the Cathedral of Saint Paul, is traditionally believed to stand near the site where Saint Paul converted Roman governor Publius in 60 CE, as recorded in the Acts of the Apostles. The original church likely dates from the early Christian period, but the current Baroque structure was designed by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà and completed in 1703 after the 1693 Sicily earthquake devastated the prior building. The cathedral has underwent numerous restorations to preserve its limestone facades and richly frescoed interior. It houses the remains of Bishop Gaetano Pace Forno, a 19th-century Maltese prelate. The cathedral also contains paintings by Mattia Preti, linking it to prominent Baroque art movements. It functions as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Malta and remains central to religious life in Mdina.

Spiritual Significance

Mdina Cathedral serves as a pilgrimage destination commemorating Saint Paul’s pivotal role in Malta’s Christianization, with the annual feast of the Conversion of Saint Paul celebrated on February 10 featuring solemn liturgies and processions. The cathedral’s dedication to Saint Paul connects it to scriptural passages in Acts 27-28 describing his shipwreck and ministry on Malta. Worship within the cathedral follows the Roman Rite, with the celebration of the Eucharist central to its spiritual life. Pilgrims often venerate relics associated with Saint Paul, emphasizing Malta’s biblical heritage. The cathedral’s Baroque art and architecture underscore Counter-Reformation theological emphases on divine grace and saintly intercession. The cathedral also hosts ordinations and diocesan events, reinforcing its role as a hub of Maltese Catholic identity.

Key Facts

• •Tradition holds that St Paul converted Malta's Roman governor on this spot in 60 CE
• •The current Baroque building was designed by Lorenzo Gafà and completed in 1703
• •The cathedral museum houses a major collection of Albrecht Dürer's works
• •Mdina, the 'Silent City,' served as Malta's capital for centuries before Valletta
• •The original cathedral was severely damaged by the 1693 Sicily earthquake

Location

Coordinates: 35.8858, 14.4028