History of the Cathedral
1944
The Cathedral bears the title of Metropolitan since the Bishop of Malta was raised to the dignity of metropolitan archbishop and head of the ecclesiastical province of Malta and Gozo
1888
Manufacturing of the two clocks. One showing the hour and the other showing the calendar
1856
Whole fresco on the dome by the Manno Brothers was destroyed during another earthquake
1774
Work on the ceiling of the Cathedral was completed by the Manno brothers
1765
Inlaid marble of the Holy Crucifix Chapel was made by Francesco Zahra
1754
Construction of the Altar of Repose by Francesco Zahra
1726
Precious marble and a long lapis lazuli block replaced the wooden scannello on the upper part of the altar
1705
Work on the dome of the Cathedral was completed
1703
Consecration of the Cathedral by Bishop Davide Cocco Palmieri took place on the 8th October
1702
16th February 1702 marked the death of the Architect of the Cathedral,Lorenzo Gafa
1699
Hoisting of bells by a hazardous operation
1693
11th April 1693 the Chapter decided to have a new Cathedral to replace the old structure after being presented by a report of the damages in collaboration with Lorenzo Gafa'
1693
The earthquake that shook the old Cathedral on Sunday, January 11th. It was the result of volcanic activity of Mount Etna in Sicily. Only the newly built choir area survived.
1679
Laying of the first stone of the Baroque Cathedral's choir attaching it to the old apse holding it from collapsing
1615-1633
Baldassare Cagliares was the only Maltese native to become the Bishop of Malta during the Knights stay
1535
Date on the chestnut door saved from the ruins of the old cathedral after the earthquake. A splendid example of carved wood in the Sicilian tradition
1370
Casting of the oldest bell by Magister Victor et Nicolaus Frater, now preserved in the Cathedral Musuem
Norman Times
During Norman times the Cathedral was the seat for the bishop of Malta although not all bishops resided in Malta