St. John's Co-Cathedral

This was the church of the Order of the Knights of St. John (yes, the St. John's ambulance guys).  Completed in 1577, the church interior was originally very simple, but in the early 1600's, one of the Grand Masters called for a redecoration.  Years of money and gifts from Grand Masters and Knights yielded a gorgeous example of the baroque style.  

The barrel vaulted ceiling depicts scenes from the life of St. John. 

The altar area.

Side of the altar area. 

Each langue of the Order (Germany, Italy, Provence, Anglo-Bavarian, Auvergne, Aragon, and Castille, Leon and Portugal)  has their own side chapel decorated especially for their area.

There are over 400 tombstones inlaid in the floor.

The image of Minerva (a.k.a. Athena in Greek mythology) is prominent over the doors in the rear of the church.

Every part of church is intricately carved, including the ceilings.

Close up of the wall carvings.

This looks suspiciously like a merlion... 

Tombs of varying degrees of decoration can be found along the walls.