Religious site
St John's Co-Cathedral
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St John's Co-Cathedral is a dazzling Baroque church built by the Knights of Malta between 1573 and 1578. Its unassuming exterior belies a richly decorated interior with gilded walls, intricate marble tombstones, and a painted vaulted ceiling by Mattia Preti. The oratory houses Caravaggio's monumental painting 'The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist', his largest work and the only one he signed. Visitors are awed by the opulence and artistry, making it a highlight of Valletta.
Don't miss
- Admire Caravaggio's 'The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist' in the oratory.
- Study the intricate marble floor mosaics covering the Knights' tombs.
- Look up at Mattia Preti's frescoed ceiling depicting scenes from the life of St John.
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