📍 Location
Location Map Coordinates 35.897422, 14.513862
One of Valletta’s earliest churches, dedicated to Malta’s patron saint and home to his venerated relics.
Overview
| Local Name: | Knisja ta’ San Pawl Nawfragu |
| Location: | St Paul Street (Triq San Pawl), Valletta, Malta |
| Coordinates: | 35.897422° N, 14.513862° E → View on Google Maps |
| Denomination: | Roman Catholic – Archdiocese of Malta |
| Established / Rebuilt: | Founded 1570 by the Jesuits; rebuilt 1680 after earthquake damage; renovations 1842 & 1886 |
| Architectural Style: | Baroque – adapted Jesuit façade and plan by Giorgio Cassar & Lorenzo Gafà |
Historical Background
St Paul of the Shipwreck Church is among the oldest and most venerated churches of Valletta. Its foundation stone was laid in 1570 soon after the city’s establishment, serving as the Jesuit chapel dedicated to St Paul the Apostle, protector of Malta. It replaced a temporary temple built shortly after the Great Siege of 1565.
The church was rebuilt on a larger scale in 1680 under the direction of architects Giorgio Cassar and Lorenzo Gafà to suit the Baroque taste. Its importance grew as it kept the sacred Relics of St Paul: a part of his wrist bone and the column on which he was beheaded in Rome, both donated to Malta by Pope Pius VII.
Architecture & Design
The building features a tripartite façade typical of Jesuit style churches with Doric and Ionic pilasters supporting a triangular pediment. The interior follows a Latin‑cross plan with a high barrel‑vaulted nave and two side chapels. Rich ornamentation in gilded mouldings and precise stone detailing characterise the late 17th‑century Maltese Baroque.
The apse is dominated by Palombi’s dramatic canvas of The Shipwreck of St Paul. The main altar (1858) in marble by E. Lucchesi displays refined Italianate craft. The dome and ceiling were ornamented with frescoes restored after World War II bombing damage in 1940–1943.
Artworks & Decoration
- Main Altarpiece – “The Shipwreck of St Paul” (1886): by Attilio Palombi – vivid Baroque‑Romantic composition depicting the saint’s safeguard of Malta.
- Side Painting – “The Baptism of Publius”: by Giuseppe Cali (1915), recounting the conversion of Publius – Malta’s first bishop.
- Relics: Silver statue of St Paul (1657) by Gio. Antonio Vassallo & reliquary of St Paul’s wrist bone enshrined beneath the altar.
- Ceiling Vault Paintings: by Maltese artist Gianni Vella (1930s) depicting the life and mission of St Paul.
- Marble Pulpit & Flooring: added 1864 in Carrara marble, restored 2008 through EU heritage funds.
Restoration & Conservation
The church was heavily restored after earthquake damage in 1693 and again after WWII. Its marble altars, façade, and frescoes were consolidated between 2005–2010 by the Restoration Directorate of Malta. An lighting and humid‑control system was introduced in 2018 ensuring safe housing for relics and artworks. The church was reopened after interior cleaning in 2019, marking 450 years since Valletta’s founding.
Present Use & Feast Day
The church continues to play a central role in Valletta parish life. Its feast of St Paul’s Shipwreck is celebrated each 10 February – a national holiday in Malta. A grand procession featuring the silver statue and relics passes through City streets amid band music, illumination, and fireworks. Daily Masses, devotions, and guided visits make this an active church and major pilgrimage site.
Map & Location
Situated on St Paul Street (Triq San Pawl), just off Merchant Street, the church stands near Valletta’s historic core and is visible from Republic Street intersection.
Coordinates: 35.897422° N, 14.513862° E → View on Google Maps
