This Page is also available in the following languages: Deutsch, Español, Français, Italiano & Malti.
Opening Times
Monday to Friday:
09.30hrs to 16.30hrs
(last admission at 16.00hrs)
Saturday:
09.30hrs to 12.30hrs
(last admission at 12.00hrs)
Closed on Sunday and Public Holidays.
Entrance Fees
Adults
€5.82
Children under 12
Free when accompanied by an adult
ISIC card holders / pensioners
€4.66
The entrance fee includes the provision of handheld audio guides with 24 stops. These guides are available to visitors in six languages (Maltese, English, Italian, French, German and Spanish).
Audio Guides
Handheld audio guides with 24 stops are available to visitors in six languages (Maltese, English, Italian, French, German and Spanish). All visitors can make use of the free guides.
Disabled Access
Access is provided to St John’s for wheelchair users and visitors with mobility issues, although access to some areas is restricted. For more information, please contact us.
Book Shop
The well-stocked book shop’s opening hours are the same as the Co-Cathedral’s visitor opening times mentioned above. It stocks a wide variety of books related to St John’s Co-Cathedral, the history of Malta, the Knights of Malta and art as well as tourist guide books for St John’s and the Maltese islands in general.
The shop also sells tourist related DVDs, postcards, souvenirs, posters, CDs of sacred music and maps.
All major credit cards are accepted.The book shop can be contacted directly by phone on the following number: +356 21 239 628
Please note
- St John’s is a place of worship. Please enter decently dressed
- Shawls / wraps are provided at the entrance
- Stiletto heels and narrow heeled shoes are not permitted on the inlaid marble floor. Slippers can be purchased at Lm0.42 / €1.00 per pair
- Backpacks are to be carried in front of you
- Photography is allowed but the use of flash is forbidden
We thank you for your support.
Why we charge visitors to visit a church
The interest in St John’s Co-Cathedral results in a high number of visitors but the delicate fabric of the church was not designed for so many visitors. The overhead and maintenance costs are very high. To help us sustain the building and conserve it with all its works of art we request an entrance fee. Conservation programmes are constantly being carried out to the highest specifications in order to preserve the Church in all its splendour. Our reward is your visit and appreciation.
We do not charge for prayer
Please inform the staff at the main entrance of your intention and you will be guided to the designated chapel.
Why we stagger or limit the number of visitors
Congestion or overcrowding can cause a great deal of harm to the building and its priceless artefacts. This is due to fast-rising temperatures and relative humidity levels brought about by aspiration and the body heat of large gatherings. Also, large crowds entering the co-cathedral at the same time can cause abrasions to the tombstones and the delicate wall carvings. The narrow passageways between chapels were designed for single persons passing through and tourists often come in large groups, accelerating congestion in the church which was not designed to accommodate such large numbers of roaming visitors.
For these reasons, the Foundation either staggers or limits the number of visitors within the co-cathedral at any one time. In the main nave, this is determined by the size of groups, in combination with the amount of individual or independent visitors, rather than a set number. No more than 52 persons are allowed in the Oratory at a time.
Such measures are mostly called upon in the busiest months of the year. The Foundation trusts that you appreciate the reasons for such a policy and thanks you in advance for your understanding.
Important notice
The following areas of St John’s Co-Cathedral are currently not accessible to visitors due to restoration works:
- The crypt of the Grand Masters
We apologise for any inconvenience caused.
