Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (3)

St John's Co-Cathedral was originally conceived as the main place of worship for the Knights of St John. It is one of the masterpieces of the Maltese architect Gerolamo Cassar. Its construction began soon after 1566. The façade is severe with little decoration which is a hallmark of the early buildings of Valletta.

The interior provides a very sharp contrast with the façade as it has ceiling paintings by Mattia Preti, the walls are covered with relief carvings by accomplished Maltese scalpellini (sculptors), and the floor consists of over 150 tombstones which are richly decorated with in-laid multi-coloured marble fashioned in baroque designs and inscriptions commemorating Knights of the Order of St John. The Co-Cathedral contains internationally acclaimed works of art such as two paintings by Caravaggio and a number of Flemish tapestries, amongst others. St John's has two crypts, one of which contains the remains of Grand Masters Jean Parisot de la Valette (the founder of Valletta) and Jean de la Cassière who commissioned the cathedral.

Mepa scheduled St John's Co-Cathedral as a Grade 1 national monument as per Government Notice number 276/08 in the Government Gazette dated 28 March 2008.