St Paul’s Collegiate Basilica - Rabat, Malta - Monumental Baroque Façade

The imposing Baroque façade of St Paul’s Collegiate Basilica in Rabat, with its three entrances, sculptural niches and richly detailed Maltese limestone architecture.

This photograph presents the monumental façade of St Paul’s Collegiate Basilica in Rabat, Malta. The richly articulated limestone frontage is divided into three sections, with three entrances framed by classical architectural details, statues occupying prominent niches and a taller central section crowned by a cross. Strong sunlight emphasizes the warm colour and elaborate carving of the Maltese stone against the clear blue sky. The present church was begun in 1653 according to plans prepared by Francesco Buonamici and was completed by the distinguished Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà in 1683, replacing an earlier medieval church. Its construction was made possible through the generosity of noblewoman Guzmana Navarra. The basilica forms part of an important religious complex associated with St Paul’s Grotto, where according to longstanding Maltese tradition the Apostle Paul stayed following his shipwreck on Malta around AD 60. A church associated with the grotto was already documented in 1336, demonstrating the long history of Christian devotion connected with this site in Rabat.