Landmarks • 10–12 min
St John’s Co‑Cathedral Guide
A focused guide to St John’s Co‑Cathedral: what makes it extraordinary, what to see inside (including Caravaggio), and how to plan your visit.
Photo by Stanislava Zdn on Unsplash.
Highlights
- ✦One of Valletta’s most important interiors
- ✦Caravaggio’s work in the Oratory
- ✦How to time your visit to avoid peak crowds
- ✦Dress code and etiquette basics
At a glance
- Best for
- Art and architecture lovers
- Time needed
- 60–120 minutes
- When to go
- Earlier in the day
- Don’t miss
- The Oratory (Caravaggio)
Why it’s a must‑see in Valletta
St John’s Co‑Cathedral is often considered Valletta’s standout interior. From the outside it can look restrained, but inside it’s an immersive baroque statement—gold, stone, and detail that rewards slow looking.
Even if you don’t normally prioritize churches, this is one of those places where artistry and history are impossible to ignore.
Visiting hours, last entry, and tickets (official)
St John’s is popular and runs on a real timetable, so it’s worth planning the practical details. Use these official basics as your starting point, then confirm on the cathedral site if you’re visiting around holidays.
- Visiting hours (Mon–Sat): 09:00–16:45 (last admission 16:15)
- Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays
- Tickets: Adults €15; Seniors €12; Students €12; Children under 12 free (with an adult)
- Audio guide: included in the entrance fee (multiple languages)
- Belfry Tour: €5 extra (admission fee still applies; tickets at the entrance)
What to see inside (a simple checklist)
To avoid turning your visit into a blur, use a simple checklist: take in the full interior first, then zoom into details. Save the Oratory for when you’re ready to focus.
- Overall interior: let your eyes adjust and take in the scale
- Side chapels: details and atmosphere
- Floors and memorials: craftsmanship and history
- The Oratory: Caravaggio work and focused looking
Caravaggio in the Oratory
The Oratory is a highlight for many visitors because it holds Caravaggio’s work. Plan time here—don’t treat it as a quick photo stop. The experience is about being present with the painting and the space around it.
If you love art, this is the moment to slow down and let the city’s history feel personal.
Practical visiting tips
Because it’s popular, timing matters. Aim for an early visit (or a quieter weekday slot) and consider booking ahead in peak periods. Dress respectfully, keep your voice low inside, and treat the Oratory like a gallery—not a quick photo stop.
- Arrive early to reduce queues and crowd density
- Dress respectfully (shoulders and knees covered is a safe default)
- If you want the Belfry Tour, plan a small extra time buffer
How to pair it with the rest of your day
The cathedral pairs perfectly with a Valletta day: do it in the morning, then use the streets and cafés as decompression. Finish with harbour viewpoints for contrast: interior gold → exterior blue.
- Morning: cathedral
- Midday: Merchant Street + café hour
- Afternoon: MUŻA or another museum stop
- Evening: Barrakka viewpoints + waterfront
FAQ
What are the St John’s Co‑Cathedral visiting hours?
Official visiting hours are Monday to Saturday 09:00–16:45, with last admission at 16:15. It’s closed Sundays and public holidays—confirm on the official site around holiday periods.
How much are tickets (and is the audio guide included)?
Official entrance fees list Adults at €15 and Seniors/Students at €12, with children under 12 free when accompanied by an adult. The entrance fee includes an audio guide; the Belfry Tour is an extra €5.
How long should I spend at St John’s Co‑Cathedral?
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours depending on crowd levels and interest in art details. Give yourself time to see the Oratory without rushing.
Is there a dress code?
Dress modestly. Rules can vary, so check current guidance, but covering shoulders and knees is a good default for church visits.