Maltese Churches

The church, and particularly the Catholic Church, plays a major role in Maltese life. Latest statistics suggest that as many as 98 per cent of the island’s population are Catholic and that explains why there are so many churches here. In fact, there’s a saying on Malta that says you’ll find a church for every day of the year.

No-one seems to have taken the time to count them and whether the total reaches 365 is up for debate, but what is certain is that there are loads of them. If you doubt this, just look at the horizon and you can see their spires and domes piercing the blue skies.

The most amazing thing about Malta’s churches is that almost each and every one of them is a historical and cultural haven, where even atheists might feel a twinge of religion and true believers will be instantly moved by the sheer beauty of the places and the devout atmosphere they generate.

Churches on the island are active places of worship and should be treated as such, so dress appropriately if you want to go in. Women should cover shoulders and not wear short skirts and men, no short shorts please because, whether you’re in a church or not, no-one wants to see your dangly bits making a bid for freedom!

Even the more famous ones that form part of the nation’s cultural heritage, such as St John’s Co-Cathedral and St Paul’s Church in Valletta, the Cathedral in Mdina, the Mosta Dome, the Xewkija Church, the Ta’ Pinu Sanctuary and Rabat Cathedral in Gozo are all still primarily working places of worship.


But for those who prefer their holy places slightly less commercial and busy, the simple parish churches scattered around the island can be equally fascinating. There are stories and legends to be told, architectural gems to be seen and artistic riches to be appreciated in almost every one of them. They are important parts of the community and are treated that way.

In the Three Cities of the Cottonera, you can go to Bormla (Cospicua) and be fascinated by the statue of the Immaculate Conception that is said to have once been the figure-head of an ancient ship.

You might want to visit Isla (Senglea) and be enthralled by the facial expression of the statue of the Redeemer, for centuries a major source of national devotion. And then there’s Birgu (Vittoriosa) where you can be captured by the old beauty of the Knights of St John's first conventual church in Malta.


The churches and the numerous wayside chapels all over the Islands are a reflection of the Maltese people’s deep religious roots. Malta and Gozo are gradually but surely leaving their mark on the map of world religious tourism. The moment you go into one of the Churches, you immediately realise why.