11. The Sanctuary and High Altar
This area is a sacred place and is the focal point of the church as it holds the high altar. It has been enriched with several gifts from Grand Masters and knights alike. The Sanctuary has had a number of changes according to the Tridentine liturgical reforms, such as raising the high altar on a platform, but at times changes were made just to embellish it further. Originally there was only one altar placed directly in the apse with an altarpiece depicting the baptism of Christ. This painting now hangs in the museum. The apse now holds the impressive marble figures depicting the Baptism of Christ by John the Baptist. This is the work of Giuseppe Mazzuoli one of the leading sculptors of the 18th century. The elegant style and realistic rendering of the anatomy make this work a masterpiece in its own right.
The extravagant High Altar in the centre of the sanctuary is a masterpiece in rare marble and was the gift of Grand Master Carafa. The frieze running across the altar holds the symbols of the four Evangelists and the key attributes of St Peter and the codex and sword attributes of St Paul. The central motif is the Last Supper all made of gilt bronze and backed with lapis lazuli.
The solid silver Sanctuary lamp held by two angels is a reflection of the extravagant baroque style and the grandeur of the Order during the seventeenth century. This rare treasure was the gift of Bali Fra Vincenzo Rospigliosi in 1669.