Napoleon
St Paul's Square and Cathedral
In Maltese: Misraħ San Pawl
St Paul's Square, in front of Mdina's Baroque cathedral, was used by Ridley Scott for Napoleon (2023), filmed in Malta in May 2022, with Napoleon and Joséphine seen under the cathedral's entrance.
What was filmed at St Paul's Square and Cathedral?
Napoleon (2023)
The church scene after the prisoners are released, and Napoleon and Joséphine under the cathedral entrance facing St Paul's Square. It played 19th-century France (Paris).
About St Paul's Square and Cathedral
St Paul's Square is the broad open space in front of Mdina's Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul, the Baroque church rebuilt by Lorenzo Gafà after the 1693 earthquake, with its twin bell towers and red dome visible across much of Malta. In Ridley Scott's Napoleon, Mdina's streets, squares and palaces played both 19th-century Paris and Elba. Guides place the church scene after the prisoners are released here, with Napoleon (Joaquin Phoenix) and Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby) under the cathedral entrance facing the square. Today the square is pedestrian and the cathedral and its museum are open daily except Sunday mornings on a single combo ticket. Even without going in, the square is the best place in Mdina to take in the full façade.
Best time to go
Early morning before tour groups, or late afternoon when the façade is in sun.
Questions people ask
Was Napoleon filmed in Mdina?+
Yes. Mdina's streets, squares and palaces stood in for Paris and Elba, including St Paul's Square in front of the cathedral.
How much is it to visit Mdina Cathedral?+
A combo ticket for the Cathedral and Museum costs €15 for adults (€10 seniors and students, children under 12 free).
Sources
- Ridley Scott's Napoleon showcases Mdina — Screen Daily
- Visit These 10 Malta Filming Locations — AFAR
- Where was Napoleon filmed? — Atlas of Wonders
- Opening Times & Tickets — Metropolitan Chapter
Exact spot not yet checked on site — we visit every location before launch.