St. Paul's Catacombs: An Underground Journey Through Malta's History
Unearth Malta's ancient past: Explore the vast St. Paul's Catacombs, a window into Roman burial rituals and early Christian history.
Explore the St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat, Malta, an extensive network of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries dating back to the 3rd to 8th centuries AD. Serving as a communal burial ground for the ancient city of Melite, the catacombs provide a glimpse into early Christian and Roman burial practices, featuring unique architectural elements and historical significance.
A brief summary to St Paul’s Catacombs
- Hal-Bajjada, Rabat, MT
- +35621454562
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the pathways within the catacombs can be uneven and narrow.
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-June or September-November) for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as St. Paul's Grotto, the Domus Romana, and the medieval city of Mdina.
- Check the Heritage Malta website for the latest opening hours and to purchase tickets online.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From Valletta, take bus routes 50, 51, 52, 53, or 56 from the Central Bus Station. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and you should disembark at the 'Rabat' stop. From there, walk straight up towards the center of Rabat for less than 10 minutes to reach the catacombs. A single bus ticket costs €3.
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Walking
From the Mdina Gate, walk down the narrow, winding alleyways following the signs for St. Paul's Catacombs. The catacombs are located just outside the medieval city walls of Mdina in Rabat on St. Paul Street. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes.
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Car
From the Fawwara area, follow Triq il-Linja and Triq tal-Ghajn towards Rabat. Upon entering Rabat, follow the signs for St. Paul's Catacombs. Turn right onto Hal-Bajjada, where you'll find the entrance on your left. Parking is available near the catacombs, potentially free of charge, but spaces may be limited. Parking may be easier to find at is-Saqqaja, il-Wesgħa tal-Mużew or Triq Rudolph Saliba.
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