Basilica of St. Paul, Mdina
The Basilica of Saint Paul in Rabat, stands as a historical and religious treasure deeply entwined with the rich tapestry of Maltese history. This venerable church is situated on a site that has witnessed centuries of transformation, beginning with its origins in the ancient Roman city of Melite, which encompassed the present-day areas of Mdina and much of Rabat.
It is worth noting that several churches preceded the current basilica, which itself was constructed in the 17th century. In 1336, Bishop Hilarius referred to the church as "ecclesia Sancti Pauli de crypta," acknowledging its existence and the presence of a cemetery and the remnants of a Roman ditch.
The present-day Basilica of Saint Paul was commissioned to replace a previous church completed in 1578. This ambitious endeavor was made possible through the generous contributions of Guzmana Navarra, a noblewoman, and was executed based on architectural plans prepared by Francesco Buonamici. Construction commenced in 1653 and reached completion in 1683 under the skilled hands of Lorenzo Gafà.
Adjacent to the Basilica of Saint Paul is a smaller church dedicated to Saint Publius, which underwent renovations in 1692 and later in 1726 under the supervision of Salvu Borg. The historical significance of this religious complex is further underscored by its elevation to the status of a Minor Basilica in 2020.
The heart of the Basilica of Saint Paul lies in its grotto, accessible through the adjoining church of Saint Publius. This sacred space holds profound significance, as it is traditionally believed to be where Saint Paul resided and preached during his three-month stay in Malta in 60 A.D. In 1748, Grand Master Pinto donated a statue of Saint Paul to the grotto, further enhancing its sanctity. The grotto has received visits from various Popes, including Pope John Paul II in 1990 and 2001, Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, and most recently, Pope Francis during his apostolic journey to the Maltese islands in April 2022.
It is worth noting that several churches preceded the current basilica, which itself was constructed in the 17th century. In 1336, Bishop Hilarius referred to the church as "ecclesia Sancti Pauli de crypta," acknowledging its existence and the presence of a cemetery and the remnants of a Roman ditch.
The present-day Basilica of Saint Paul was commissioned to replace a previous church completed in 1578. This ambitious endeavor was made possible through the generous contributions of Guzmana Navarra, a noblewoman, and was executed based on architectural plans prepared by Francesco Buonamici. Construction commenced in 1653 and reached completion in 1683 under the skilled hands of Lorenzo Gafà.
Adjacent to the Basilica of Saint Paul is a smaller church dedicated to Saint Publius, which underwent renovations in 1692 and later in 1726 under the supervision of Salvu Borg. The historical significance of this religious complex is further underscored by its elevation to the status of a Minor Basilica in 2020.
The heart of the Basilica of Saint Paul lies in its grotto, accessible through the adjoining church of Saint Publius. This sacred space holds profound significance, as it is traditionally believed to be where Saint Paul resided and preached during his three-month stay in Malta in 60 A.D. In 1748, Grand Master Pinto donated a statue of Saint Paul to the grotto, further enhancing its sanctity. The grotto has received visits from various Popes, including Pope John Paul II in 1990 and 2001, Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, and most recently, Pope Francis during his apostolic journey to the Maltese islands in April 2022.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Mdina. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Basilica of St. Paul on Map
Sight Name: Basilica of St. Paul
Sight Location: Mdina, Malta (See walking tours in Mdina)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Mdina, Malta (See walking tours in Mdina)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Mdina, Malta
Create Your Own Walk in Mdina
Creating your own self-guided walk in Mdina is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Rabat Walking Tour
In ancient times, the city of Melite, the precursor of today's Mdina, was much larger than its counterpart. During the Arab occupation of Malta, the city was divided into two smaller towns: Mdina and Rabat.
Rabat's full name, Ribat al-Fath, translates literally to the “Victory Village”. Once considered to be the suburb of Mdina, this quiet neighborhood is located practically on... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Rabat's full name, Ribat al-Fath, translates literally to the “Victory Village”. Once considered to be the suburb of Mdina, this quiet neighborhood is located practically on... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.6 Km or 0.4 Miles
Mdina Introduction Walking Tour
A picturesque walled city in the heart of Malta, Mdina is a true gem of the Mediterranean located atop a hill that overlooks most of the country.
Mdina's history spans almost 3,000 years, making it one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Originally settled by the Phoenicians in around the 8th century BC, it has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles
Mdina's history spans almost 3,000 years, making it one of Europe's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Originally settled by the Phoenicians in around the 8th century BC, it has been inhabited by various civilizations, including the... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 0.8 Km or 0.5 Miles