St Paul’s Collegiate Basilica - Rabat, Malta - Painted Nave Vault Above the Organ

The painted nave vault inside St Paul’s Collegiate Basilica in Rabat, with religious frescoes extending towards the pipe organ at the end of the church.

This photograph looks upward along the painted nave vault inside St Paul’s Collegiate Basilica in Rabat, Malta. A large religious scene occupies the centre of the ceiling, while additional figures and colourful painted decoration extend along the edges of the vault above the richly ornamented architectural framework. At the far end, the pipes of the church organ are visible beneath the sweeping ceiling, emphasizing the length and height of the interior. The present basilica was begun in 1653 according to plans prepared by Francesco Buonamici and completed by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà in 1683. Its interior was progressively enriched with paintings, gilding, sculpture and other decorative work, creating a striking contrast with the warm limestone architecture of the exterior. The basilica stands beside St Paul’s Grotto, traditionally associated with the Apostle Paul’s stay on Malta following his shipwreck. Together with the decorated dome, altars and side chapels, the painted nave vault contributes to the elaborate Baroque character of this historically important church in Rabat.