Description of the attraction
The capital of the Maltese state, Valletta, is so compact that you can go around it several times in a day. The city was built by the Maltese knights - representatives of the religious order, who paid much attention to the spiritual life of their subjects. That is why more than a dozen different churches can be found in the small territory of the capital, surrounded by thick fortress walls.
One of the dominant features of the city is the Anglican pro-cathedral, consecrated in honor of St. Paul. Gothic and neoclassical elements were used in the design of its facades. This temple was built on the site of the Auberge of Germany - the headquarters that belonged to the German knights who were part of the Order of Malta. Funds for the construction of the first Anglican church in Malta were allocated by the widow of William IV, the English queen Adelaide, who arrived here in the 1840s to improve her health. Architect Richard Lankershire worked on the cathedral. The temple first opened its doors to believers after the consecration in 1844, which was conducted by the Bishop of Gibraltar. The church, built of Maltese limestone, is adorned with a 60-meter spire.
One of the attractions of the cathedral is the organ, which was brought here from the cathedral in the English city of Chester. It was created in 1684 by master craftsman Bernard Smith. According to legend, Georg Friedrich Handel himself once played this organ when he was passing through Chester.
In the aisles of the nave hang 12 flags belonging to the troops that took part in the defense of Malta from 1940 to 1943.
