St John's Co-Cathedral

The St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta is one of Malta’s most prestigious historic churches. It was built as the conventual church of the Order of St John (the Knights Hospitaller) at the end of the 16th century. While its exterior is relatively modest, the interior represents the pinnacle of Maltese Baroque artistry. Its uniqueness lies partly in the "surprising" contrast between its plain exterior and the lavishly decorated interior, adorned with carvings and gilded surfaces. Additionally, the chapel system and commemorative culture reflect the Order’s extensive European network. A highlight of the visitor experience is the monumental ceiling cycle painted by Mattia Preti, depicting the life of St John, as well as the cathedral’s exceptional collection of artworks. Among these are two masterpieces from Caravaggio’s Maltese period, including The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist in the oratory, regarded as one of the greatest achievements in Western painting. 

From a sustainability perspective, the cathedral integrates heritage conservation with resource efficiency in its operations. Restoration and conservation programmes, as well as museum developments, are ongoing at the site. Recently, a large-scale modernisation project introduced museum-grade LED lighting, which, according to published data, significantly reduces energy consumption by over 50%, while simultaneously enhancing the visibility of the artefacts and improving the visitor experience.