Secrets of St John's Co-Cathedral - Guided Tour

Overview

Available languages

English

1 hour 45 minutes

Mobile ticket

Discover the secrets waiting for you in St John's Co-Cathedral - all the things the audioguide doesn't tell you!

Built by the Order of St John, this church is one of Tripadvisor’s Top 25 Attractions in Europe and has “the most beautiful floor in the world” consisting of more than 400 marble tomb slabs.

This tour will reveal fascinating stories of the Order’s Grand Masters and their knights, and teach you the hidden meanings of the symbols left for you to examine on their tombs.

You’ll also discover the secrets of two Caravaggio paintings found within the church, hear why the talented but troubled Caravaggio was kicked out of the Order and learn the incredible story of how one of his paintings was recovered by a Maltese priest/detective after it was stolen from the cathedral.

Finally, you'll learn the strange reason why this is a “co-cathedral”.

Additional Info

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

What To Expect

St. John's Co-Cathedral

You'll see the stunning interior of this high baroque church, which includes "the most beautiful floor in the world," as well as the Sacristy, various chapels belonging to the Order of St John and the Oratory where there are two paintings by Caravaggio.

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Included

What‘s Included

All Fees and Taxes

Options

Secrets of St John's Co-Cathedral - Guided Tour

Reviews

5.00

23 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

Great immersion!
Gustav Scania,,Nov 22, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Very informative and entertaining! The guide likes to tell his stories and it shows. Loved the living stories of grand masters and Caravaggio
Bringing History to Life with Expert Guidance
S75UGjusting,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Although I’m Maltese and a keen history enthusiast, Mario, an extremely knowledgeable tour leader, delighted us with wonderful insights about the co-cathedral. His passion and depth of knowledge brought new perspectives that even I, as a local, had never considered. The tour truly felt like a treasure trove of information, enriching my appreciation of our heritage. It was so engaging that I will gladly re-attend the tour in the future. Highly recommended for both visitors and locals alike!
It was amazing and looking forward to others
rbugeja,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Best tour I have ever been to. Very professional tour with a pinch of humour. Although I'm Maltese I learned a lot and even my 9 year old was interested all through the tour. Will be looking forward to others and the amazing videos he uploads
Fantastic tour
michaelbrown3948,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Fantastic and informative tour. Highly recommend. Mario was very experienced and able to answer any questions raised.
Absolutely brilliant
J7885YIkeithe,,Sep 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Absolutely fantastic. High energy and so many snippets of information we may have to go again. Highly recommend, an excellent way to spend a few hours learning
Great, very happy again.
Navigate44716494905,,Jul 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was extremely interesting and informative. Mario told everything very entertainingly, so it never got boring. When I am back in Malta I will be happy to join one of these tours again.
Friends private tour.
carolinekeen,,Jun 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
We brought 2 groups to St Johns, consecutively and Mario gave each the same energy and enthusiasm. Great insight, storytelling and humour. A huge amount of information without rambling. All of our guests absolutely loved it, and I wouldn’t hesitate in using ‘Dark Malta Tours’ again. 10/10 Mario. Many thx Caroline.
St. John's Co-Cathedral as never experienced before.
dennisgD9120RO,,May 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
The tour was very enlightening from both the dark and the day to day aspects of the historical and artistic narratives covered by Mario's gripping approach. Highly recommended !!!
Highly Commendable
669farrugiam,,May 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
I highly recommend. Mario our guide was fantastic. He is very knowledgeable on Maltese history. This tour had a special emphasis on St. John's Co-Cathedral Cathedral and the Knights of St John. The guide was very happy to share his knowledge in a interesting and enjoyable manner. I will certain participate in other tours. Thank you Mario for making our rich history easier to experience and understand
An interesting experience at St John's co- cathedral
W9555UOmargaretg,,May 16, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00
Although we are Maltese, haven taken the tour with Mario, our guide, helped us understand better our hertige that lies within St John's co-cathedral. Our guide is very knowledgeable and makes the tour enjoyable. I hope to to take another one of his scheduled tours in the the near future.