The Collegiate Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck was founded in 1570 and is dedicated to the apostle who brought Christianity to the islands around A.D.60. Venture inside the Roman Catholic church to admire works of art and revered religious relics.
St. Paul is often considered to be the spiritual father of the Maltese and was shipwrecked on the island on his way to Rome. That event is considered to be one of great national importance to the people who live here.
View the main altarpiece by Matteo Perez d’Aleccio, an Italian painter who studied under Michelangelo. The beautiful work of art depicts the shipwreck of St. Paul. Look up at the biblical scenes that decorate the interior of the dome. Inspect frescoes that chart episodes of his life and gaze in awe at the magnificent statue of the saint, carved by sculptor Melchiorre Gafa in 1657. Every February, the statue is carried through Malta’s streets to commemorate the shipwreck. The lavishly decorated organ loft is also worthy of note.
The Collegiate Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck also holds two religious relics that are venerated by Catholics. See one of the saint’s wrist bones and part of the column on which it is believed the apostle was beheaded. A sculpture of his head lies on top of the relic.
Examine the church’s rich collection of precious objects. They include a gold jeweled chalice and silver and gold statues of the apostles. There is also a vessel known as a monstrance that is set with diamonds.
The church is open daily from morning until evening and admission is free, although donations are accepted. The place of worship is closed for a few hours at lunchtime.
The Collegiate Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck is situated in Valletta's pedestrianized zone, about a 10-minute walk from the bus terminus. If you are driving, there is metered parking just outside the City Gate, the main entrance to the capital.
