The Mdina Cathedral Museum, housed in a magnificent baroque palace that once served as the seminary built by Bishop Paolo Alpheran de Bussan between 1728 and 1757, will welcome visitors for a special free open day that offers a rare opportunity to explore one of Europe’s most distinguished church museums without charge. Considered a true crossroads of faith and culture, the museum was opened to the public in 1969 and has since earned an international reputation for its outstanding collections, which include priceless paintings, unique prints and engravings by Albrecht Dürer, ancient reliquaries, rare coins, fine silverware, intricate woodwork, wax reliefs, Maltese objects of art, and a remarkable trompe-l’œil baroque dome. During the open day, visitors will be guided through the exceptional artistic treasures displayed throughout the palace’s richly decorated halls, with tours offered free of charge by the museum management to help guests appreciate the depth and significance of each collection.
Located on Archbishop’s Square in the heart of Mdina, Malta’s ancient Silent City, the museum stands adjacent to St. Paul’s Cathedral, built in 1702 on the site where Governor Publius lived after being appointed the first Bishop of Malta by St. Paul following his shipwreck on the island in 60 AD. Together the cathedral and museum present a comprehensive picture of Maltese ecclesiastical heritage, from the cathedral’s colorful inlaid marble floor and frescoed ceiling to the museum’s important holdings that span centuries of religious art and history. The Metropolitan Chapter and the Cathedral Museum Committee, under curator Rev. Edgar Vella, have continually enhanced the institution’s profile, with past events such as the inauguration of a specially designed Baroque Period Hall and exhibitions like Relics and Reliquaries further demonstrating the museum’s commitment to research, conservation, and public engagement.
The free open day invites both locals and tourists to step inside this baroque landmark and experience its treasures firsthand, making the cultural and spiritual legacy of Mdina accessible to everyone. Whether you are drawn to the masterful engravings of Dürer, the elaborate silver artifacts, or the architectural grandeur of the former seminary itself, the event provides an enriching glimpse into Malta’s artistic and religious past while reinforcing the museum’s role as a living institution that continually reflects on its mission to remain relevant in the 21st century.
