St John’s Co-Cathedral is a Baroque former conventual church of the Knights of Malta in Valletta, renowned for its marble-inlaid floor and Caravaggio paintings. This guide covers opening hours, ticket prices, transport and parking, accessibility, and practical tips for planning your visit.
This guide was updated in August 2026. The Cathedral’s museum wing remains closed for an extensive refurbishment and extension project, but Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist” remains on view in the Oratory as part of the standard visit.
Quick facts
| Opening hours | Mon–Sat 09:00–16:45 (last admission 16:00). Closed Sundays and public holidays |
| Ticket prices | Adult €15, senior/student €12, under-12 free with adult. Belfry tour: extra €5 |
| Address | St John’s Co-Cathedral, Valletta, Malta |
| Nearest transport | Central Valletta, within walking distance of the City Gate bus terminus |
| Typical visit length | About 1 hour 45 minutes |
St John’s Co-Cathedral opening hours
The cathedral is open Monday to Saturday, 09:00 to 16:45, with last admission at 16:00.
It is closed on Sundays and public holidays, and access can be further restricted at short notice for religious celebrations or events.
St John’s Co-Cathedral ticket prices
A full-price adult ticket costs €15. Seniors and students pay €12, and children under 12 are admitted free when accompanied by an adult.
A separate Belfry Tour costs an additional €5, on top of the standard admission fee; tickets are available at the entrance.
The ticket price includes a handheld audio guide with 20 stops, available in 11 languages.
The cathedral is not included in any city pass, since it operates as an independent foundation with its own ticketing.
Opening hours and ticket prices were checked on the official website and last updated in August 2026.
How to get to St John’s Co-Cathedral
The cathedral stands in the historic centre of Valletta, a short walk from the City Gate bus terminus, where most island-wide bus routes arrive.
Valletta’s compact, largely pedestrianised centre makes the cathedral easy to reach on foot from anywhere within the city walls.
Parking near St John’s Co-Cathedral
Valletta’s centre has limited on-street parking; the Park and Ride facility at Floriana, just outside the city gate, is the most practical option for visitors arriving by car.
How long to spend at St John’s Co-Cathedral
The cathedral recommends allowing around 1 hour 45 minutes for a full visit with the included audio guide.
Add extra time for the Belfry Tour if you wish to see the bell tower separately.
Accessibility at St John’s Co-Cathedral
Wheelchair access is provided, though access to some areas of the cathedral is restricted.
Visitors with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to contact the cathedral in advance for guidance.
Inside St John’s Co-Cathedral: what to see
Built between 1573 and 1577 as the conventual church of the Knights of St John, the cathedral’s plain exterior gives little hint of its lavishly decorated Baroque interior.
The nave floor is entirely covered in inlaid marble tombstones, commemorating knights from across Europe.
Caravaggio’s “The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist”, his only signed work, hangs in the Oratory, alongside his “Saint Jerome Writing”.
The cathedral’s museum wing, housing the Flemish tapestries, sacred vestments, and silver collection, is currently closed while a major extension project is completed.
Practical visitor tips
| Tip |
|---|
| Book your ticket online in advance to avoid queuing at the entrance, especially in peak season. |
| Dress modestly and bring a shawl if needed, since bare shoulders are not permitted inside. |
| Avoid stiletto or narrow heels, since these can damage the marble floor. |
| Allow the recommended 1 hour 45 minutes, since visits at last admission are limited to 45 minutes. |
| Check for special closures before travelling, since the cathedral occasionally shuts for events or celebrations. |
Frequently asked questions about St John’s Co-Cathedral
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is St John’s Co-Cathedral suitable for children? | Yes, though the artwork and religious themes may suit older children best. |
| Do you need to book tickets in advance? | Not strictly required, but recommended to avoid queues. |
| Is the cathedral open on Sundays? | No, it is closed on Sundays and public holidays. |
| Are bags allowed inside? | Small bags are encouraged, since there are no lockers on site. |
| Can you still see the Caravaggio paintings? | Yes, they remain on view in the Oratory despite the separate museum wing’s closure. |
Things to do near St John’s Co-Cathedral
The Grandmaster’s Palace, home to the Office of the President and the Palace Armoury, is a short walk away. Republic Street, Valletta’s main thoroughfare, runs close to the cathedral’s entrance.
Upper Barrakka Gardens, with views over the Grand Harbour, are a short walk further into the city. The National Museum of Archaeology, in the former Auberge de Provence, lies nearby on Republic Street.
Alternative attractions
St Paul’s Cathedral, in Mdina, offers a comparable Baroque interior in a different historic setting. The Mosta Rotunda, known for its vast unsupported dome, is a striking example of Maltese church architecture.
Ta’ Pinu Basilica, on Gozo, is a major site of Marian pilgrimage with its own historic significance. Our Lady of Victory Church, also in Valletta, is a smaller but historically important chapel near the Malta Experience.
More Malta travel
Other Malta travel guides on Planet Whitley include:
- What to expect at the Farson’s Brewery Experience in Malta.
- A practical guide to visiting the Malta National Aquarium at Qawra Point.
- Guides to Malta’s ancient sites: The Mnajdra Temples and Hagar Qim.
- Guides to the top sights in Mdina: St Paul’s Cathedral and Palazzo Falson.
- Plan your visit to Malta’s San Anton Gardens.
