St Paul’s Cathedral - Mdina, Malta - Baroque Dome Above the Ancient City

The imposing Baroque dome of St Paul’s Cathedral rises above the historic limestone buildings of Mdina beneath a dramatic Maltese sky.

This photograph captures the magnificent dome of St Paul’s Cathedral rising above the honey-coloured limestone buildings of Mdina, Malta’s historic fortified city. Its red curved roof, tall lantern and elaborate Baroque stonework stand dramatically against the dark clouds overhead, while the surrounding rooftops provide a glimpse of the dense historic architecture within the old city. The Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul occupies a site traditionally associated with Publius, the Roman governor of Melita who, according to Christian tradition, received St Paul following his shipwreck on Malta around AD 60. A medieval cathedral previously occupied the site but suffered severe damage during the earthquake of 1693. The present Baroque cathedral was subsequently designed by renowned Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà. The main structure was completed in 1702 and consecrated the following year, while its prominent dome was completed in 1705. Today the cathedral remains one of Mdina’s defining landmarks and an important centre of Malta’s religious and architectural heritage.