Though less dramatic than Mdina’s cathedral which is also dedicated to St Paul, Rabat’s Basilica of St Paul holds deep religious and historical significance to the town. Completed in 1683 by architect Lorenzo Gafà, the church stands above the Grotto of St Paul, believed to be where the apostle lived and preached during his shipwrecked stay in Malta in 60 A.D.

Its construction was largely funded by noblewoman Cosmana Navarra, whose grand townhouse sits just across the street, today repurposed as a restaurant. The basilica is central to local religious life and is the focal point for several major feast days throughout the year, with its understated baroque beauty and layered history making it a must-visit for anyone exploring Rabat.