Kevin visited Malta with his family as a child and the dome at Mosta was one of the places he clearly remembered seeing while he was there.
We began by climbing the steeps stairs up to the dome, where you can see the world beyond the cathedral square, as well as getting closer to the internal structure.
This is the third largest unsupported dome in the world and one we almost lost. In April 1942 a German bomb pierced the dome, but miraculously failed to explode. The bomb was disposed of at sea, but there’s a similar one on display in the shop.
Looking down into the centre of the nave.
I had to stitch lots of photos together to create this panorama, but it gives an idea of the scale of this amazing building.
The dome was definitely the star of the show for me and I took so many photos. It would be fascinating to spend a day here, watching the path of the sun across its interior…
Walking back down from the dome I was enchanted by the spiral staircase, which seemed best captured in monochrome.
Below the church is the crypt, which is equally atmospheric. I wonder what all these pipes are intended for?
Such soft but dramatic light.
Back outside, I spent some time exploring the lines of the huge stone columns.
Photos taken 20 November 2023