St Paul's Catacombs: An Ancient Underground Cemetery

St Paul's Catacombs, located in Rabat, Malta, offer a captivating journey into the island's early Christian history. These catacombs, dating back to the 3rd century AD, served as a burial ground for the ancient city of Melite, now Mdina and Rabat. The site is named for its proximity to St Paul's Church and the myth that it was connected to St Paul's Grotto, where the Apostle Paul is said to have sought refuge after being shipwrecked on Malta in 60 AD.The catacombs represent the largest and earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta, with interconnected passages and tombs covering over 2,000 square meters. Originally a cluster of small tombs from the Phoenician-Punic period, the hypogea were enlarged and connected to create the complex system used in the late Roman period. The catacombs were in use up to the 7th or 8th centuries AD.Visitors can explore the atmospheric labyrinth of rock-cut tombs, narrow stairs, and passages. The main complex features two large halls adorned with pillars resembling Doric columns. The site also contains unique architectural details such as 'agape tables,' circular stone tables used for commemorative meals in honor of the deceased. Although smaller than the catacombs of Rome, St Paul's Catacombs showcase Maltese underground architecture and indigenous development.During the Saracen period, the complex was likely looted and fell into disrepair. Part of the catacombs were reused during the re-Christianization of the island around the 13th century, with an open space re-cut and used as a Christian shrine decorated with murals. The site was cleared and investigated in 1894 by Dr A.A. Caruana, a pioneer of Christian-era archaeology in Malta. Today, visitors can explore over 20 of the underground chambers.