St Paul’s Cathedral - Mdina, Malta - Bell Tower Beside the Red and White Dome

A close side view of St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, showing an ornate limestone bell tower beside the distinctive red-and-white Baroque dome.

This photograph shows a close side view of St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina, Malta, with one of its ornate limestone bell towers rising beside the distinctive red-and-white dome. Arched bell openings, clocks and carved architectural details decorate the tower, while the illuminated drum and dome stand prominently against the clear blue sky. Mature trees partially frame the cathedral and emphasize the height of its Baroque architecture. The present Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul was designed by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà following the severe damage suffered by the earlier cathedral during the earthquake of 11 January 1693. The replacement building was largely completed in 1702, consecrated in 1703 and crowned by its dome in 1705. The cathedral occupies a site traditionally associated with Publius, the Roman governor of Malta who, according to longstanding Maltese Christian tradition, welcomed the Apostle Paul following his shipwreck around AD 60. Today the cathedral remains one of the principal architectural and religious landmarks within the fortified city of Mdina.