St. John's Co-Cathedral is a magnificent Roman Catholic co-cathedral located in Valletta, the capital city of Malta. The cathedral is dedicated to Saint John the Baptist, who is the patron saint of the Order of St. John. The cathedral was built by the Order of St. John between 1573 and 1578, under the commission of Grand Master Jean de la Cassière as the Conventual Church of Saint John.
The Cathedral's exterior is unremarkable compared to other grand cathedrals around Europe. However, the interior of the cathedral is breathtaking. The cathedral's interior design is heavily influenced by the Baroque style, and it is considered to be one of the finest examples of Baroque art and architecture in Europe.
The Cathedral's main attraction is the intricate marble floor, which is made up of over 400 tombstones. Each tombstone is unique and tells the story of the life of a Knight of the Order of St. John. The tombstones are beautifully decorated with intricate patterns and inscriptions that are still legible today.
The cathedral also houses several impressive works of art, including two paintings by the famous artist Caravaggio. One of the paintings, "The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist," is considered to be one of Caravaggio's greatest masterpieces. The painting depicts the moment just before John the Baptist is beheaded by the order of King Herod. The other painting, "Saint Jerome Writing," is also a masterpiece of Baroque art. The painting depicts Saint Jerome, who is widely regarded as the patron saint of translators, writing the Bible.
Another notable feature of the Cathedral is the ornate Chapel of the Langue of Italy. This chapel is dedicated to the Virgin Mary and is richly decorated with frescoes, sculptures, and gold leaf.
Visitors to the Cathedral can also explore the museum, which contains a vast collection of historical artifacts, including armor and weaponry used by the Knights of the Order of St. John.
St. John's Co-Cathedral is a true gem of Malta and is a must-visit for anyone interested in art, history, and architecture. Its rich history, stunning works of art, and intricate design make it one of the most unique and beautiful cathedrals in Europe.