The Statue of Saint Paul stands on the highest point of St Paul’s Islands (Selmunett), off Malta’s northern coast, traditionally identified as the site of the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck in 60 AD, described in the Acts of the Apostles (chapters 27–28). This event marks the beginning of Christianity in Malta and gives the site profound spiritual significance.
Erected in the 19th century, the statue was created by sculptors Sigismondo Dimech and Salvatore Dimech, with a pedestal by Francesco Spiteri. The figure, about 4 meters high and set on an 8.3-meter platform, depicts Saint Paul holding a book (the Word) and raising his hand in blessing, with a viper at his feet, recalling the biblical episode in which he survives its bite unharmed.
The project was funded through public subscription led by Salvatore Borg, and the statue was inaugurated and blessed on 21 September 1845 in a solemn ceremony.
Today, the monument is a powerful symbol of Malta’s Christian identity, linking landscape, Scripture, and history in a single iconic image.
- Address
XC82+74F, Mellieħa, Malta - Web
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Always open - What to see
The statue of Saint Paul, landscape of St Paul’s Islands (Selmunett), and St Paul’s Bay.
