Initially, the church was built as the Conventual Church of the Order of St John, dedicated to St John the Baptist, the patron saint of the Knights.
Built above the site traditionally associated with St Paul’s stay in Malta, this church forms part of one of the island’s earliest centres of Christian worship.
The spiritual heart of medieval Malta, traditionally founded on the site of the Roman governor’s residence. Rebuilt several times, it remains the seat of the Maltese diocese.
One of Malta’s earliest parish churches, later elevated during the period of the Knights of St John and central to the Great Siege era.
Long regarded as one of Malta’s oldest parishes, with roots extending back to the medieval period and possibly earlier rural worship sites.
Serving one of Malta’s oldest agricultural communities, this parish church reflects the early development of organised village worship outside fortified centres.
Pre-dating the famous Rotunda, the old parish church site represents the earlier ecclesiastical focus of the Mosta community.
One of the most important Marian shrines in the Maltese Islands. Striking architecture in local limestone, set among open countryside
One of Gozo’s most important early parishes, often linked with medieval ecclesiastical administration on the island.
Traditionally associated with one of Malta’s oldest parishes, serving communities that predate the modern village layout.
Dedicated to St Paul the Apostle, the church embodies centuries of devotion, maritime tradition, and local identity.
Close to Malta International Airport’s perimeter and the old rural approaches to Gudja, Il-Knisja Ta’ Loretu is one of the best-known devotional churches in the south of Malta.
The Parish Church of the Conversion of St Paul in Safi is a prominent Baroque parish church built between 1727 and 1744 on the site of an earlier church and later consecrated on 10 October 1784.
Gozo’s oldest church site, serving as the island’s main cathedral since medieval times, rebuilt several times after disasters.
An early medieval parish church, historically significant before later expansion of Victoria’s main parishes.
A quiet square church with strong Augustinian identity. Important Baroque devotional art, including Mattia Preti. Living worship traditions (Eucharistic adoration, St Rita devotion)
The village’s landmark church, dedicated to St Lawrence, built from 1886 and known for its harmonious façade, twin bell towers and dome—plus important devotional art linked to Giuseppe Calì.
The Church of St Anthony Abbot in Xagħra is a historic Gozitan chapel, in existence by the early 1400s, rebuilt in 1601, and still serving local devotion today.
The Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary at l-Imtaħleb, Rabat, is a rural Marian sanctuary with origins before 1607 and later significant enlargements.
St Gregory’s Church in Żejtun, Malta’s old parish church, has medieval origins, was rebuilt in 1492, enlarged in 1606, and remains a site of pilgrimage.
Żurrieq’s principal parish church is one of southern Malta’s most richly decorated sacred buildings, rebuilt in the 17th century and celebrated for its baroque architecture and major artworks.
Qrendi’s parish church, dedicated to the Assumption of Our Lady, developed from a sixteenth-century village church into a major Baroque landmark shaping community life.
British-era St Oswald’s Church in Mtarfa, dedicated in 1921, began as a garrison chapel and today serves the local Catholic community and heritage visitors.
Żebbuġ Parish Church in Gozo is a historic Baroque landmark dedicated to the Assumption of Mary, central to village life.
The Basilica and Collegiate Parish Church of the Visitation of Our Lady in Għarb, Gozo, is a distinguished Baroque landmark central to parish history, worship, and community identity.
Knisja tal-Baħrija is a modern Maltese village church built in 1984, dedicated to St Martin of Tours, serving Baħrija’s growing community and worship needs.”
St Mary’s Church in Mqabba—often referred to locally as Santa Marija Assunta—is a Roman Catholic parish church with deep roots in the village’s development.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Xlendi, Gozo, built in 1868 and expanded in 1972, is a beloved bay landmark serving worshippers and visitors.
Knisja ta’ Sarria in Floriana is a rare Baroque rotunda, built after the 1675–76 plague and famed for Mattia Preti’s magnificent paintings.
Tal-Kapuccini in Floriana is closely tied to the arrival of the Capuchin friars in Malta. The first friary associated with the Capuchins was established outside Valletta’s walls, in the Floriana area, with the church and convent beginning construction in 1588/89.
The parish church of Floriana, dedicated to Saint Publius. It developed in multiple construction phases from the 18th century onward, suffered severe WWII bombing damage, and was rebuilt and enhanced across the 20th century.
Għasri’s Patronage of Our Lady Basilica: built 1737–1739, enlarged 1754, Minor Basilica 1768, consecrated 1789; restored, active shrine, October feast.
Sagra Familja Church in Bidnija, Mosta, is a peaceful rural landmark built in the 1920s, restored in 2019, and still serving worship today.
The Parish Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary in Għaxaq is a stunning Baroque masterpiece celebrating Malta’s rich spiritual heritage.
The Parish Church of St Mary in Gudja is a 17th‑century Baroque masterpiece renowned for its elegant triple bell tower.
St. Lucy’s Church — locally known as Knisja ta’ Santa Luċija — dates back to the early development of Valletta shortly after the Great Siege of 1565.
Erected immediately after the Great Siege of 1565, Our Lady of Victory Church was the first permanent structure of Valletta, founded by Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette in gratitude for the Knights’ victory over the Ottoman Empire.
The Church of St Catherine of Italy, locally Santa Katerina ta’ l‑Italja, was built in 1576 for the Langue of Italy of the Order of St John.
The Chapel of St Lucy at Kerċem dates back to at least the 16th century, recorded in 1565 visitation reports as a country chapel serving farmers of the valley below Rabat (Victoria).
The Parish Church of Our Lady of Help and St Gregory the Great stands at the centre of Kerċem’s history. An earlier chapel was listed in the 1436 ecclesiastical roll of Gozo, making it among the island’s oldest devotional sites.
St Paul of the Shipwreck Church in Valletta is a 16th‑century Baroque church built by Jesuits, housing St Paul’s relics and renowned for its artworks and annual feast.
Knisja Parrokkjali ta’ Munxar in Gozo is a Roman Catholic parish church dedicated to St Paul’s Shipwreck, serving the village since 1925.
The Sannat Parish Church in Gozo, formally known as Il-Knisja Parrokkjali ta' Santa Margerita, stands as one of the oldest and most historically significant parish churches on the island.
The Dominican Order arrived in Malta shortly after the Order of St John established its new capital in Valletta. The monk Fra’ Dominicus Cassar secured both land and patronage for a new church in 1571 under the advocacy of Our Lady of Porto Salvo (Our Lady of Safe Harbour) and Saint Dominic de Guzman.
The Carmelite Fathers arrived in Malta soon after the 1551 Turkish raids and were granted land by the Order of St John to establish a church and convent inside the newly planned City of Valletta.
St. James Church in Valletta is a historic Baroque Roman Catholic church built between 1709 and 1710, serving diverse communities including Ethiopian and Eritrean congregations.
The story of St. Paul’s Cathedral begins in the early 19th century when Malta, under British colonial administration, lacked a permanent Anglican place of worship in its capital city.
Knisja tal-Madonna tal-Pilar (Church of Our Lady of the Pillar) in Valletta is a historic Baroque church with deep ties to the Knights of St. John, Spanish Marian devotion, and Malta’s cultural heritage.
The Orthodox Church of St Nicholas in Valletta is one of Malta’s oldest surviving Christian sites and a key centre for Orthodox liturgical life.
The Orthodox Church of St George in Valletta stands as a living testament to the presence and continuity of Eastern Orthodox Christianity in Malta.
Knisja Santa Magdalena, known in English as the Church of St Mary Magdalene, stands as a testament to Valletta’s deep religious heritage, Baroque artistic legacy, and centuries of devotion to one of Christianity’s most beloved saints.
Knisja Ta’ Santa Katerina (Church of St Catherine of Alexandria) is a historic Roman Catholic Baroque church located on Republic Street in the heart of Valletta, Malta.
After parish status was granted, plans were soon drawn up for a grand church befitting the community’s aspirations. The architectural design — inspired by Baroque traditions — was commissioned to Maltese architects well versed in the ecclesiastical style that characterises many of Gozo’s parish churches.
The Fleur-de-Lys Parish Church, formally known as Knisja Madonna tal-Karmnu (Our Lady of Mount Carmel), is the Roman Catholic parish church serving the Fleur-de-Lys neighbourhood in Birkirkara, Malta.
The historic Il-Knisja ta’ San Filep , known in English as St. Philip Church , stands as a cherished Roman Catholic parish church in the heart of Żebbuġ, Malta . With origins dating back to the early 17th century, this church has stood witness to centuries of devotion, architectural evolution, artistic enrichment, and vibrant community life.
The Santa Venera Parish Church (Maltese: Knisja Parrokkjali ta' Santa Venera) is the principal Roman Catholic church serving the town of Santa Venera, Malta.
The Parish Church of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary into Heaven stands at the centre of the village of Mġarr in north-western Malta.
The Parish Church of St Gaetan (Maltese: Knisja Parrokkjali ta’ San Gejtanu ta’ Thiene) is the principal Roman Catholic parish church located in the town of Ħamrun, Malta.
The Church of Our Lady of the Miraculous Medal in Ħamrun, Malta, is one of the most spiritually significant modern churches on the island. Situated within the headquarters complex of the Society of Christian Doctrine (M.U.S.E.U.M.), the church is closely associated with Saint George Preca, the Maltese priest and founder of the society.
Built during the British colonial period and completed in 1857, the church represents an important milestone in Malta’s religious history.
The Knisja ta’ Santu Wistin, or Church of St Augustine, is one of the historic Roman Catholic churches located in the capital city of Valletta, Malta.
The origins of the Church of Our Lady of Liesse date back to the early seventeenth century. The foundation stone of the original church was laid on 21 November 1620 in a ceremony attended by Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt of the Order of St John.
The origins of the church date back to the establishment of Valletta itself. In 1571, the Franciscan Friars Minor were granted land in the newly built city where they constructed a convent and church to serve their growing religious community.
The Jesuits’ Church (Maltese: Knisja tal-Ġiżwiti) is one of the most historically important churches in Valletta, Malta. Officially dedicated to the Circumcision of Our Lord, the church is widely recognised as one of the largest and earliest churches built within the fortified capital city founded by the Knights of St John after the Great Siege of 1565.
The Church of Christ the Redeemer, located at 146 St Christopher Street in Valletta, is one of the lesser-known yet historically meaningful religious sites in Malta’s capital city.
The Church of Christ the Redeemer, located at 146 St Christopher Street in Valletta, is one of the lesser-known yet historically meaningful religious sites in Malta’s capital city.
The Church of the Santissimu Kurċifiss, commonly referred to in English as the Holy Cross Church, is one of the historic religious buildings located within the fortified city of Valletta, Malta.
Dedicated to Saint Barbara, the patron saint of artillerymen and those working with explosives, the church historically served the members of the Langue of Provence within the Order of St John.
The Church of St Francis of Assisi, known in Maltese as Knisja ta’ San Franġisk ta’ Assisi, is one of the historic Franciscan churches located in Valletta, the capital city of Malta.
The Greek Catholic Church of Our Lady of Damascus, commonly known in Maltese as Id-Damaxxena, is one of the most historically distinctive churches in Valletta. Unlike most Maltese churches which follow the Latin rite of the Roman Catholic Church, this church serves the Greek Catholic community and celebrates the Byzantine liturgy.
The Monastery of St Ursula (Sant Orsola) is one of the most historically significant religious institutions in Valletta. Located within the fortified capital city of Malta, the complex consists of a church and a cloistered convent that has been continuously inhabited by nuns connected to the Order of St John since the sixteenth century.
The Romanian Orthodox Church of the Birth of St John the Baptist in Valletta is located within the historic Church of St Roch (Santu Rokku) in St Ursula Street. The church represents an interesting example of how Malta’s historic religious buildings continue to serve evolving communities and traditions.
The Parish Church of St Lucy (Parroċċa Santa Luċija) in the town of Mtarfa forms the spiritual centre of this small Maltese community situated on the outskirts of Rabat and Mdina.
The Church of St Alphonse Liguori in Birkirkara is a historic Roman Catholic church closely associated with the Discalced Carmelite Order in Malta.
Built during the late twentieth century, the sanctuary replaced the older Carmelite church of St Alphonse Liguori as the principal place of worship for the Carmelite community in Birkirkara.
The Church of St Paul (San Pawl) in Birkirkara is one of the most historic churches in the central region of Malta. Located in the area traditionally known as San Pawl tal-Wied, the church commemorates the preaching and missionary activity of the Apostle St Paul during his stay in Malta following his famous shipwreck described in the Acts of the Apostles.
The Church of the Annunciation of Our Lady, commonly known as the Carmelite Church of Mdina, is one of the most significant Baroque religious buildings within Malta’s historic former capital city. Situated near the Cathedral Square in Mdina, the church forms part of the Carmelite Priory complex and stands as an important centre of Carmelite spirituality on the island.
The exact foundation date of Salvatur Church remains uncertain, but historical documentation indicates that a chapel dedicated to Our Saviour existed on the site before 1436.Some early historians suggest that the original chapel may have been founded around 1487, making it one of the oldest ecclesiastical buildings in the Kalkara area.
The Church of the Immaculate Conception of Our Lady in Lija is a small yet historically significant Roman Catholic church located along Triq il-Kunċizzjoni in the traditional village of Lija in central Malta.
The Lija Parish Church, formally known as the Parish Church of the Transfiguration of Jesus or Il-Knisja Parrokkjali tas-Salvatur, is the principal Roman Catholic church of the village of Lija in central Malta. This Baroque church dominates the village skyline and stands as one of the most important religious and architectural landmarks within the community.
The Madonna tal-Belliegħa Church, formally dedicated to the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, is a small historic Baroque church located in the village of Lija in central Malta. Known locally simply as Tal-Belliegħa, the church forms an important part of the village’s network of chapels and devotional sites.
The Old Church of Our Saviour, commonly referred to as the Old Church of the Transfiguration, is one of the most historically important religious buildings in the village of Lija in central Malta. Located a short distance from the present parish church, this historic structure represents the earliest parish church of the locality and played a crucial role in the development of Lija as an independent parish community.
The San Pietru Chapel, dedicated to Saint Peter the Apostle, is a small historic church located in the village of Lija in central Malta. Although modest in size, the church represents an important part of the religious and cultural heritage of the locality and reflects the long tradition of wayside chapels that characterise the Maltese islands.
The Xagħra Parish Church, formally known as the Basilica of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary, is one of the most prominent religious landmarks on the island of Gozo, Malta. Located in the central square of the village of Xagħra, the church is dedicated to the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, locally referred to as Marija Bambina or Il-Vittorja.
The Church of Jesus of Nazareth, commonly known in Maltese as Il-Knisja ta’ Ġesù Nazzarenu or simply In-Nazzarenu, is a Roman Catholic church located in the village of Xagħra on the island of Gozo.
St Francis of Assisi Church in Birkirkara is one of the lesser-known yet culturally significant religious sites in Malta. Dedicated to Saint Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan Order, the church reflects the deep-rooted Franciscan spirituality present across the Maltese Islands.
Paola (Raħal Ġdid) experienced rapid population growth during the late 19th and 20th centuries, leading to the construction of several churches to meet the spiritual needs of its residents. As the town expanded beyond its original core, new residential zones required accessible places of worship.
The Knisja tal-Lunzjata, also known as the Church of the Annunciation, is one of the most historically significant religious buildings in Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta. Closely associated with the Dominican Order, the church has played a central role in the spiritual, social, and cultural life of the city for over five centuries.
Home to the Benedictine nuns for over three centuries, the monastery is deeply intertwined with the early history of the Knights of St John and the development of Birgu as Malta’s first capital under the Order.
The Church and Monastery of Saint Theresa of Avila in Bormla is one of Malta’s most historically significant Carmelite foundations. Built in the early 17th century, it represents the spread of the Discalced Carmelite Order and their missionary ambitions across the Mediterranean and beyond.
The Holy Trinity Church, known in Maltese as Trinità Qaddisa, is a historic place of worship located in the fortified city of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta. Though modest in size compared to some of the island’s grand Baroque churches, it possesses a rich and layered history that spans over five centuries.
The Church of St Philip in Birgu, also historically known as the Church of Our Lady of the Angels, is one of the most architecturally and historically significant religious buildings in the city. Closely associated with the Oratorians of St Philip Neri, the church reflects centuries of religious devotion, Baroque artistic expression, and ecclesiastical development in Malta.
The devotion to Our Lady of Mount Carmel is closely linked to the Carmelite Order, which became established in Malta during the period of the Knights of St John.
A church existed on this site even before the Great Siege of Malta in 1565. The settlement of Bormla expanded rapidly during the early period of the Knights of St John, necessitating the establishment of a parish.
Attard was established as a parish in 1575, reflecting the growth of the settlement and its increasing religious importance. However, the original church soon proved inadequate for the expanding population. As a result, a new and more ambitious structure was commissioned in the early 17th century.
Today, the basilica serves as an active parish church, a Marian sanctuary, and a major focal point of religious devotion, particularly during the annual feast of the Nativity of Mary celebrated on 8 September.
Dedicated to Saint Julian the Hospitaller, the church reflects the spiritual life of sailors, fishermen, and dockworkers who lived and worked in Senglea, one of Malta’s historic Three Cities.
The origins of St Philip’s Church date back to 1596, when a small church dedicated to Our Lady of Porto Salvo was built on the site.
The Holy Crucifix Church, commonly known as the Oratory of the Kurċifiss, is one of the most important devotional sites in Senglea (L-Isla), Malta.
Dedicated to the Feast of the Purification, also known as Candlemas, the oratory embodies centuries of religious tradition, focusing on themes of light, purification, and renewal.
An earlier church dedicated to St John the Baptist existed on the site for centuries. However, by the mid-20th century, the growing population of Xewkija required a larger and more imposing place of worship.
Xewkija is one of the oldest parishes in Gozo, established in 1678, and has long been a centre of religious activity. Alongside the main parish church dedicated to St John the Baptist, numerous smaller chapels were built to serve different parts of the village and surrounding countryside.
The church was constructed through the initiative and devotion of Liberato Grech, a prosperous local farmer who sought to establish a place of worship for the surrounding community.
Although modest in scale, Santa Savina Church forms part of a wider network of chapels and small churches that developed across Gozo from the medieval period onward.
This early church was dedicated to the Visitation of Our Lady, a dedication retained by its successor. It stood at the heart of the religious and communal life of the village, hosting Mass, sacraments, and important village events.
Though relatively modern compared to many medieval churches in Malta, it stands as a prominent example of early 20th-century ecclesiastical architecture.
The building was designed and constructed by master builder Wigi Vella, who played a central role in shaping the church’s architectural character. Financial support for the project came largely from Joseph Sultana, a benefactor from Nadur.
Although overshadowed today by the grander parish church, the old structure retains significant historical, architectural, and cultural value, reflecting the evolution of ecclesiastical life in Gozo.
The Parish Church of Our Lady of Loreto in Għajnsielem is one of the most prominent neo-Gothic churches in Gozo, standing as a symbol of the village’s growth and religious devotion during the 20th century.
The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus became particularly prominent in Malta during the 19th and 20th centuries, following its widespread adoption throughout Catholic Europe.
Dedicated to Saints Peter and Paul, two of the most significant figures in Christian tradition, the basilica stands as a symbol of ecclesiastical authority and spiritual continuity.
Operated by the Sorijiet Franġiskani (Franciscan Sisters), the church combines religious tradition with contemporary pastoral care, serving both residents and visitors.
Located at the gateway to Gozo, the chapel greets visitors arriving by ferry and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the harbour, the Gozo Channel, and the Maltese archipelago.
The Parish Church of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in Mellieħa is one of the most prominent Roman Catholic churches in northern Malta.
The locality of Tal-Ħlas is first recorded in 1492, while the chapel itself is documented in 1556. Built near a cemetery, it served a rural population and reflects the early development of Maltese religious communities.
The Knisja Parrokkjali tal-Qalb Imqaddsa, also known as the Sacred Heart Parish Church, stands at the heart of the village of Fontana in Gozo.
The Parish Church of Żabbar, dedicated to Our Lady of Graces (Il-Madonna tal-Grazzja), stands as one of the most important Marian sanctuaries in Malta.
The Knisja Kolleġġjata ta’ San Ġorġ in Qormi is one of the most important parish churches in Malta, forming a central part of the town’s religious, cultural, and architectural heritage.
The chapel of Our Lady of Divine Grace, commonly known in Maltese as “Ta’ Cejlu,” is one of the lesser-known yet historically significant religious sites in Marsa, Malta.
The church stands as a testament to the resilience and faith of the local community, particularly during the turbulent years surrounding the Great Siege of Malta in 1565.
The Church of Our Lady of Pompei (Maltese: Madonna ta’ Pompej) is a late 19th-century Roman Catholic church located in Victoria, the capital of Gozo.
The friary and church complex in Victoria were constructed during the 18th century, forming part of the broader expansion of Capuchin religious infrastructure across the Maltese Islands.
The Church of Saint Benedict Joseph Labre in Victoria, Gozo, is a relatively modern yet spiritually significant church dedicated to one of the most humble and ascetic saints of the Catholic Church.
Knisja ta’ San Franġisk, also known as the Church of St Francis of Assisi, is one of the most historically significant conventual churches in Victoria, Gozo. Located in the tranquil Pjazza San Franġisk.
The Knisja Qadima ta’ San Bastjan (Old Church of Saint Sebastian) in Qormi stands as one of the most significant religious and historical landmarks in the locality.
The Knisja Arċipretali ta' San Bastjan Martri is one of the most important modern parish churches in Malta, located in the town of Qormi.
One of the most defining aspects of Chiesa di San Gaetano is its close relationship with Mamo Tower, located only a short distance away—approximately 50 metres.
The origins of the present chapel date back to around 1650, when a small rural church was first constructed to serve the spiritual needs of local farmers and fishermen in the Marsaxlokk and Żejtun region.
The Oratorju Don Bosco, located in St Augustine Square in Victoria (Rabat), Gozo, is one of the most significant religious and cultural institutions on the island. Unlike traditional parish churches, this oratory embodies the educational and pastoral mission of the Salesians of Don Bosco, combining spiritual formation with social and cultural development.
The Church of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart, commonly known in Maltese as Ta’ l-Istilla, is a small yet spiritually significant Roman Catholic church located in Victoria, Gozo.
During the 4th or 5th century, this natural cave was enlarged and transformed into a structured place of worship. Over time, it developed into a fully functioning underground church, serving both liturgical and devotional purposes for early Christian communities.
Originally constructed in the early 17th century on the site of an earlier chapel, the church embodies the transition from modest rural worship spaces to monumental parish churches built during the era of the Knights of St John.
Dedicated to St John the Baptist, one of Christianity’s most revered saints, the chapel reflects both the early development of Għargħur as a parish and the enduring traditions surrounding death, burial, and remembrance in Malta.
Historical records indicate that by 1744, the feast was celebrated with sung vespers and Mass, demonstrating the chapel’s continued importance within the community.
The church is dedicated to Christ the Good Shepherd, a title rooted in Christian scripture, particularly the Gospel of John, where Jesus describes himself as the shepherd who cares for his flock.
The Balzan Parish Church, dedicated to the Annunciation of the Virgin Mary, stands at the heart of the historic village of Balzan, forming a central landmark within Malta’s “Three Villages” region alongside Attard and Lija.
Last updated: March 2026