As one of Malta's most iconic landmarks, St. John's Co-Cathedral is a testament to the island's rich history and culture. Built in the 16th century, this stunning cathedral has stood the test of time and is a must-see for visitors to Malta.
From its impressive Baroque architecture to its intricate decorations and stunning artwork, St. John's Co-Cathedral is a true marvel to behold.
St. John's Co-Cathedral was built between 1572 and 1577 by the Knights of St. John, a Catholic military order that played a significant role in Malta's history. The Knights ruled Malta for centuries. The cathedral was designed by the Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar and was built in a high Baroque style, with a stunning façade that features two bell towers and a grand entrance.
The cathedral was originally built as the conventual church of the Knights of St. John and served as the main place of worship for the order. However, in 1816, St. John's Co-Cathedral was elevated to the status of a co-cathedral, along with St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina.
Today, St. John's Co-Cathedral is one of the most visited attractions in Malta, with thousands of tourists flocking to the cathedral each year to admire its beauty and learn about its history.
The cathedral's exterior is built in the Mannerist style (renaissance architecture) which has a simple appearance and it reflects the somber and military mood of the order after the Great Siege (1565 AD).
One of the most impressive features of St. John's Co-Cathedral is its stunning Baroque interior. The cathedral's walls are adorned with intricate decorations, including sculptures, reliefs, and carvings, all of which were created by some of the most talented artists of the time.
The cathedral is also home to two magnificent organs, which were built in the 18th century and are still used today for special occasions and concerts.
Perhaps the most notable feature of St. John's Co-Cathedral is the ornate marble floor, which is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque art in the world. The floor is made up of more than 400 individual tombstones, each of which is decorated with intricate designs and symbols. All of them of Knights and officers of the order.
In addition to its impressive architecture, St. John's Co-Cathedral is also home to an incredible collection of artwork, much of which was created by some of the most famous artists of the time.
Perhaps the most notable artwork in the cathedral is the famous Caravaggio painting, "The Beheading of St. John the Baptist." This stunning masterpiece was painted in 1608 and is considered to be one of Caravaggio's most significant works.
The painting depicts the moment when John the Baptist is beheaded by King Herod and is known for its striking use of light and shadow and its powerful emotional impact.
St. John's Co-Cathedral is also home to numerous other works of art, including paintings, sculptures, and reliefs. Many of these were created by the famous Maltese artist Mattia Preti, who spent several years working on the cathedral's decorations in the 17th century.
Critics argue that the Knights of St. John used the cathedral as a symbol of their wealth and power and that its impressive decorations and artwork were intended to impress and intimidate the local population. Additionally, some have criticized the order's treatment of the Maltese people, who were often oppressed and exploited by the Knights.
Another controversy surrounding St. John's Co-Cathedral is its role in the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia. Galizia was a prominent critic of the Maltese government and its ties to wealthy elites, and she was killed by a car bomb in 2017. Some have speculated that her murder was connected to her investigation of corruption and money laundering in Malta and that the cathedral may have played a role in these illegal activities. However, these claims have not been proven, and the investigation into Galizia's murder is still ongoing.
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5 сен 2024
