The Mdina Cathedral Museum holds one of Malta’s richest collections of art, silver, manuscripts, and historical treasures, spanning centuries of devotion and cultural heritage. With so much to explore, a visit can easily fill an entire day as you wander through its galleries and discover countless fascinating objects. However, we also understand that some visitors may be on a tighter schedule. For this reason, we have selected ten must-see highlights from our collections—masterpieces that capture the Museum’s essence and story. These are the treasures you simply should not miss during your visit.
The Apostolato
Location: Ground Floor (1st hall upon entrance) Among the Museum’s greatest treasures are the magnificent Apostolato statues, a unique set of silver statues representing the Twelve Apostles together with St.Paul, Malta’s patron saint, St. John the Baptist, patron of the Order of St. John & the Blessed Virgin. Created in Rome in the 18th century, these magnificent silver statues were once doomed to be melted down during the French occupation of Malta in 1798 to pay for their military campaign, when church treasures were seized. Saved from destruction through the resilience of the Maltese clergy and community, the Apostolato stands today as an enduring symbol of faith and survival. Their dramatic history makes them one of the must-see highlights of the Mdina Cathedral Museum.
The Polyptych of St Paul
Location: First Floor Among the treasures of the Mdina Cathedral Museum, the St Paul’s Polyptych holds a special place as a masterpiece of Renaissance art and devotion. Painted in the early 15th century by artist Luis Borassa from the Catalonian school, the work once adorned the high altar of the old medieval Cathedral. Its central panel depicts the enthroned St. Paul holding the holy scriptures in one hand and the sword of conversion in the other, surrounded by vivid scenes from the saint’s life, reflecting his role as Malta’s patron and protector. Beyond its artistic quality, the Polyptych embodies Malta’s deep connection with St Paul, making it an essential highlight for anyone visiting the Museum.
Dürer - Virgin and Child with the Monkey
Location: First Floor The Dürer Collection, featuring works by the legendary Albrecht Dürer is one of the most important collections in the museum. Whilst visiting this hall, look out for the Virgin and Child with the Monkey—a delicate, thought-provoking print that blends sacred serenity with curious symbolism. Dürer’s mastery of detail and emotion shines through in this intimate scene, where a mischievous monkey adds a twist to the traditional Madonna image. It’s a must-see for art lovers and curious minds alike. Don’t miss this rare chance to get up close with a Renaissance genius.
The Medieval Choir Stalls
Location: First Floor The Medieval Choir Stalls are a rare survival of Malta’s pre-Renaissance ecclesiastical furniture. It is regarded as the oldest piece of furniture in Malta, dated 1490. These richly inlaid choir stalls once stood in the old medieval Cathedral. The choir stalls were replaced during the 19th century, after a long period in storage, the pieces were reassembled to create a full-scale section to give us an impression of their formal glory. As some of the oldest liturgical furnishings in Malta, they provide visitors with a tangible link to the island’s medieval past and are a true must-see.
Mattia Preti Masterpiece in the Baroque Gallery
Location: First Floor The Mocking of Christ- This powerful Baroque composition depicts Christ’s humiliation with striking emotional intensity. Strong contrasts of light and shadow, influenced by Caravaggio, heighten the drama and emphasise his suffering. Despite the cruelty surrounding him, Christ remains composed and dignified, inviting viewers to reflect on both the physical and spiritual dimensions of the Passion. This painting was previously located in the Cathedral of Mdina.
Neopolitan Crib
Location: Ground Floor Opposite reception Don’t miss the spectacular Neapolitan crib a dazzling 18th-century nativity scene bursting with life, colour, and storytelling! Crafted in Naples, this masterpiece features dozens of finely detailed figures, from angels and shepherds to street vendors and musicians, all set in a lively urban backdrop. It’s not just a crib—it’s a theatrical snapshot of everyday life woven into sacred tradition. Look closely for the expressive faces, rich costumes, and playful details that make each character unique. Housed in a dedicated gallery, this crib is a festive fusion of art, faith, and folklore that will leave you smiling and inspired.
Chapel
Location: First Floor Step into this splendid octagonal Baroque chapel, richly decorated with stone carvings, marbled walls, and superb paintings by Antoine Favray. Just beside the altar, look out for the commemorative marble slab which marks the burial spot of Bishop Paul Alphéran de Bussan, who built the seminary that now houses the museum in 1733. Behind this very spot lies a unique tribute: the bishop’s heart, interred in accordance with his final wishes. It’s a quietly powerful detail that connects the museum’s spiritual and architectural legacy, offering visitors a moment of reflection amid centuries of Maltese ecclesiastical history.
Domestic Maltese Silver
Location: Jimmy Farrugia Room The knight's period domestic silver collection reflects the refined taste of both knights and the nobility in serving themselves and their guests in fine silver artifacts, witnessing the opulence of Baroque Malta. A must-see is a collection of silver snuff boxes, which was the fad of the period when people from different strata of society loved to sniff tobacco. You’ll find it in the Jimmy Farrugia Room, a gallery dedicated to the private collection of Dr Jimmy Farrugia and his wife, Doris. The room features Maltese silverware, domestic objects, and Melitensia artworks, offering a refined glimpse into Malta’s civic and artistic heritage through one of its most passionate collectors.
PETRONILLA - MALTA'S OLDEST BELL
Location: Ground Floor Meet Petronilla, the oldest bell in Malta, cast in 1370 by Venetian masters and once proudly hung in the medieval belfry tower. Now housed in the Mdina Cathedral Museum’s Bell Room, this historic heavyweight is more than just metal—it’s a storyteller! With its engraved effigy of St Paul and Venetian shields, Petronilla echoes centuries of faith, craftsmanship, and resilience. After surviving earthquakes and centuries of tolling, it was lovingly conserved and now rests where visitors can admire its artistry. A must-see highlight that rings true to Malta’s rich sacred heritage!
Sala Nobile
Location: First Floor Dr. John Bugeja Caruana, a passionate art collector and connoisseur, had been compiling his collection for more than forty years, including his family’s heirlooms. The benefactor intended to maintain its holistic dimension; he wished for the fruits of his passion not to become fragmented and dispersed into various collections, be they private or public. Having complete faith in this institution, he desired for his collection to be housed as it is at the Mdina Cathedral Museum, so that his legacy may be enjoyed by all. The Sala Nobile was officially inaugurated on August 25 of 2019, by Archbishop Charles Scicluna together with Dr. Bugeja Caruana himself.