The original 13th century cathedral in Mdina was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. A new church was built rather quickly (in ten years) by Lorenzo Gafa, an architect who had already designed many churches on the island. This one is his masterpiece.
The interior is amazing (though not quite as splendid as the co-cathedral in Valletta). The many paintings illustrate scenes from the life of St. Paul, who is patron of the island.
The sanctuary is an impressive blend of marble, paintings, and sculptures.
The dome was masterfully constructed though only painted in 1955. Happily the painting style matches the rest of the church.
The floor is adorned with marble funerary slabs which are quite exquisite.
The baptismal font dates back to 1495. It survived the earthquake!
The side altars in Mdina Cathedral are also well decorated.
A side door has an interesting lintel with Saints Peter and Paul on it.
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| Mdina Cathedral, Malta |
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| The cathedral museum across the street |
The interior is amazing (though not quite as splendid as the co-cathedral in Valletta). The many paintings illustrate scenes from the life of St. Paul, who is patron of the island.
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| Nave |
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| Scenes from Paul's life (click to enlarge) |
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| Over the main altar |
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| Over the west door |
The sanctuary is an impressive blend of marble, paintings, and sculptures.
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| Main altar |
The dome was masterfully constructed though only painted in 1955. Happily the painting style matches the rest of the church.
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| Dome |
The floor is adorned with marble funerary slabs which are quite exquisite.
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| A bishop's slab |
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| A somewhat grimmer slab |
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| Another bishop |
The baptismal font dates back to 1495. It survived the earthquake!
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| Baptismal font |
The side altars in Mdina Cathedral are also well decorated.
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| Annunciation altar |
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| Crucifix chapel |
A side door has an interesting lintel with Saints Peter and Paul on it.
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| Paul and Peter |
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| Angel with a scroll |
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