Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck, Valletta (must see)

One of Valletta's oldest churches is the Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck. Saint Paul the Apostle is regarded as the father of the Maltese--his shipwreck is described in the New Testament.

The church was designed by Girolamo Cassar and completed in 1582. It's full of beautiful works of art, including a 1659 statue of Saint Paul carved by Melchiorre Cafà. On February 10th, the day of Saint Paul's shipwreck, the statue is paraded through the streets of Valletta.

The building also hosts paintings by Attilio Palmobi and Guiseppe Calì. Matteo Perez d'Aleccio built the altarpiece. In addition, every nook of the church is covered with breathtaking frescoes and paintings.

There are relics commemorating the life of Saint Paul on-site, as well. You can see a piece from his right wrist bone. There is also a piece of the column from Saint Paul at the Three Fountains in Rome, where Saint Paul was beheaded.

It's easy to miss the Church of Saint Paul's Shipwreck, which is on a narrow and steep side street. As with all Maltese churches, a dress code applies. You will need to have your shoulders covered, and no shorts are allowed.