The most renowned artwork in the church is The Beheading of Saint John the Baptist by Caravaggio in the Oratory. The nave features opulently decorated, ostentatiously gilded walls and gorgeous ceiling paintings by Mattia Preti, Malta's most famous painter. This cathedral, with its opulent, flamboyant Baroque interior, was built as a symbol of the Knights' success. Saint John's Co-Cathedral reflects the wealth and importance of the Knights of Malta, who protected Europe and the Catholic faith from attacks by the Ottoman Turks in the 16th century. Learn about the best places to visit in this fascinating city with our list of the top tourist attractions and things to do in Valletta. Today, Valletta is a real working city and a delightful tourist destination packed with impressive historic monuments and vibrant cultural offerings. Valletta is called "a city built by gentlemen for gentlemen." The grand Baroque architecture reflects the knights' stature as aristocrats from the noblest families in England, France, Spain, and other European countries. Once Valletta became the new military fortress of the Order of Saint John, the knights set out to create a capital city equal to Europe's finest. In 1530, the Spanish King, Charles V, gave Malta to the Knights. ![]() The city's history is tied to the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem, an 11th-century order that provided shelter for pilgrims in the Holy Land and took on a military role to defend Christianity. The UNESCO-listed capital of Malta stands proudly on one of Europe's grandest harbors, overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and surrounded by some of the mightiest fortifications in the world. Valletta is a distinguished city with a legendary past. We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )
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