Saint Publius Church
Saint Publius Church
4.5
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4.5
71 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
36
Average
6
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0
Coryy20
Port of Spain, Trinidad6,366 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
I found this area a it low-key. When I visited there were no one close by. The church is close to Independence square more to the back end of the spacious runway and less flocked by tourist. There is a beautiful and tranquil garden opposite this church.. I recommend.. just cross the main road from the church amd you are there.
St.Publius was one of the people on the island before St. Paul was shipwrecked. So this church (built in limestone) hold lots of history for the maltese people.
Seems a nice church but just not in a very popular in my view.
St.Publius was one of the people on the island before St. Paul was shipwrecked. So this church (built in limestone) hold lots of history for the maltese people.
Seems a nice church but just not in a very popular in my view.
Written 12 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve C
Brighton, UK149 contributions
Nov 2018
St Publius church is in Floriana, just outside Valletta. It has an unusual internal layout, we were told by our informal guide, in that it has, in addition to the central aisle, a Nave and a Counter Nave. The decoration inside is great - and what makes it even more special is that it required huge renovation after receiving a direct hit from a bomb in 1942 - which very badly damaged the dome and much more of the church. St Publius was the chief person on the island when St Paul was shipwrecked there in about AD 50 (I think) - you can read about that in the Acts of the Apostles in the Bible New Testament. There is a wonderful statue of St Publius in a specially built glass and wood case in the right hand Nave as you face the altar. If you can speak to one of the local people who may be in the church when you visit, as we did, you will probably learn a lot about the history of the church and how it was damaged in teh war but then restored. We were there for over an hour, and could have spent a lot longer there.
Written 29 November 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bertybuoy
Bath, UK43 contributions
Feb 2015 • Couples
Don't miss the emotional memorials that detail all the brave Maltese that gave their lives for our safety during the war.
Written 22 February 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LM606
Honolulu, HI186 contributions
Jun 2013 • Solo
This is the great church that sits just outside of Valletta and is part of the Floriana historical walk. It's open on weekdays from about 06:00 or 07:00 until 10:00 and opens again in the afternoon from around 16:30 till about 19:00 or so, but the morning mass schedule looks fairly busy. No entry fee for visitors, but I'm sure a donation would be welcome. A plaque near the front gate gives you some historical background about the church in English and Maltese, but there is nothing inside the church to explain what you're seeing. I can't fault them for that as it's a working church with a mission to serve parishioners rather than tourists, but I did find myself wanting to know more about what I was seeing inside. Those with a Roman Catholic background will likely be able to understand some of the symbolism in the art, but there are some items that are obviously unique to this church and/or particularly Maltese that even Catholic outsiders may not appreciate. The interior is undeniably stunning, though.
When I visited on 22 June 2013, there was some scaffolding at the rear of the church and some obvious work in progress. However, this did not inhibit my ability to view these parts of the church, nor did it detract from the overall experience. It's a large structure so the works would have to increase substantially to detract from the experience. However, it's worth noting that there is work in progress and there's always the possibility of future expansion.
Entry is from the side doors on the left and right of the church as you face the main entrance. There are some steps leading up to the left side doors. For the right side doors, there are a few steps leading down from the street, but it's also possible to use the ramp leading down from the front of the church. The steps on the right are rather worn in spots, so take care and use the handrail. Acess into and around the church is no problem, though it might be necessary to open both doors to admit a wheelchair.
For Catholic visitors looking for a place to attend mass while in Malta, check listing of services in English or other languages -- this is usually posted on the noticeboard outside of a church. I didn't take time to look for this as I'm not a practicing Catholic, but all literature and signs in the church were in Maltese. I suppose one could attend a Maltese service, though it would make for a rather dull homily.
For tourists looking for a cultural experience, seeing the interior is nice, but don't worry if you can't make it. There are similar churches in the area with more generous hours so you won't miss out on seeing this particular artistic style. It's worth stopping by and viewing from the outside as part of the Floriana historical walking tour, however. I spent about 20 minutes inside, and that included a fair amount of lingering.
Also note the standard Maltese conventions regarding appropriate dress when visiting a church. Saint Publius didn't have any signs up about this, but there were baskets of what looked to be shawls at both entrances. During my visit, I saw two women who I presume to be tourists as they spoke to each other in a language that was not Maltese and entered with suitcases. Both were dressed in halter tops and shorts. Although they were quiet and respectful, the few people praying in the church looked uncomfortable. No one approached them about it and I'm sure the ladies did not intend to cause discomfort, but as visitors we should try to abide by our hosts standards.
I didn't see any signs regarding photography, but my guess is that it is not allowed. Also, the lighting is rather dim in many places.
Overall, I'm glad I went. This is a beautiful baroque church with an interesting history. However, I don't feel I would have missed out if I hadn't gotten inside. I'm glad I had already learned a bit about St. Publius before going since that information wasn't supplied at the site.
When I visited on 22 June 2013, there was some scaffolding at the rear of the church and some obvious work in progress. However, this did not inhibit my ability to view these parts of the church, nor did it detract from the overall experience. It's a large structure so the works would have to increase substantially to detract from the experience. However, it's worth noting that there is work in progress and there's always the possibility of future expansion.
Entry is from the side doors on the left and right of the church as you face the main entrance. There are some steps leading up to the left side doors. For the right side doors, there are a few steps leading down from the street, but it's also possible to use the ramp leading down from the front of the church. The steps on the right are rather worn in spots, so take care and use the handrail. Acess into and around the church is no problem, though it might be necessary to open both doors to admit a wheelchair.
For Catholic visitors looking for a place to attend mass while in Malta, check listing of services in English or other languages -- this is usually posted on the noticeboard outside of a church. I didn't take time to look for this as I'm not a practicing Catholic, but all literature and signs in the church were in Maltese. I suppose one could attend a Maltese service, though it would make for a rather dull homily.
For tourists looking for a cultural experience, seeing the interior is nice, but don't worry if you can't make it. There are similar churches in the area with more generous hours so you won't miss out on seeing this particular artistic style. It's worth stopping by and viewing from the outside as part of the Floriana historical walking tour, however. I spent about 20 minutes inside, and that included a fair amount of lingering.
Also note the standard Maltese conventions regarding appropriate dress when visiting a church. Saint Publius didn't have any signs up about this, but there were baskets of what looked to be shawls at both entrances. During my visit, I saw two women who I presume to be tourists as they spoke to each other in a language that was not Maltese and entered with suitcases. Both were dressed in halter tops and shorts. Although they were quiet and respectful, the few people praying in the church looked uncomfortable. No one approached them about it and I'm sure the ladies did not intend to cause discomfort, but as visitors we should try to abide by our hosts standards.
I didn't see any signs regarding photography, but my guess is that it is not allowed. Also, the lighting is rather dim in many places.
Overall, I'm glad I went. This is a beautiful baroque church with an interesting history. However, I don't feel I would have missed out if I hadn't gotten inside. I'm glad I had already learned a bit about St. Publius before going since that information wasn't supplied at the site.
Written 21 June 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ANGELO V
Milan, Italy4,742 contributions
Mar 2023
Saint Publius was the first Maltese person who was converted by Saint Paul, who was shipwrecked in Malta. Saint Publius was martyred during the persecution of Emperor Hadrian. He is one of the two patron saints of Malta, with Saint Paul.
The church dedicate to him in Floriana was built in several stages between the 18th and 20th century. It was heavily damaged by bombs during WW II.
The façade is in neo-renaissance style, and the altarpiece showing the martyrdom of Publius dates back to 1773. The ceiling is decorated by paintings depicting Saint Paul's shipwreck and his stay in Malta.
The church dedicate to him in Floriana was built in several stages between the 18th and 20th century. It was heavily damaged by bombs during WW II.
The façade is in neo-renaissance style, and the altarpiece showing the martyrdom of Publius dates back to 1773. The ceiling is decorated by paintings depicting Saint Paul's shipwreck and his stay in Malta.
Written 15 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
laiduptranslator
Floriana, Malta55 contributions
Mar 2017 • Friends
This Catholic Church was built by the stone masons who lived nearby and built much of Valletta. It has an imposing facade sited on Malta's largest urban square. It's dedicated to Publius the Roman Governor who welcomed St Paul and the shipwrecked travellers to winter over and converted to Christianity after seeing miracles healings
Written 14 September 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mario C
Dingli, null, Malta77 contributions
Apr 2017 • Couples
Two weeks ago there was the feast of St. Publius, the patron saint of Floriana. I visited the church which was decorated for such feast.
Written 9 May 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jeho08
Floriana, Malta1 contribution
Mar 2017 • Family
This is my home town st pubiljius is the first bishop of malta and patron saint of floriana celerated two weeks on good Friday
Written 14 March 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Francis C
35 contributions
Jan 2017
The Church of Floriana is a very nice Church to visit and it is very rich in history. It is a very well kept Church and i strongly recommend others to visit this very nice Church. well done and keep up the good work
Written 18 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amin A
Repton, UK1,876 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
It's neoclassical facade makes it stand out from other churches in Malta however turns out there's a lot of history behind that facade. It was bombed in WWII and got a facelift. To add to its war related history, you're sure to notice the granaries in front of it where grain was stored in underground silos. It was these silos that helped Malta overcome siege. The inside is just as opulent as other Maltese churches of course! Must stop by on the way to Valletta!
Written 10 January 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I would like to know if the round structures on the ground outside the church were once pillars that were also perhaps destroyed in the war(s). Can anyone tell me? Thanks!
Written 29 December 2018
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