St Paul's Catacombs: An Ancient Underground Cemetery
Discover Malta's early Christian heritage at St Paul's Catacombs in Rabat, an intriguing network of ancient Roman burial grounds.
Explore St Paul's Catacombs in Rabat, Malta, an extensive network of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries dating back to the 3rd century AD. Serving as a burial ground for Punic, Roman, and Byzantine communities, these catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity on the island. Discover the unique architecture and burial practices of early Maltese Christians in this fascinating historical site.
A brief summary to St Paul’s Catacombs
- Hal-Bajjada, Rabat, MT
- +35621454562
- Visit website
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes as the catacombs have uneven surfaces and narrow passages.
- Bring a light jacket or sweater as the underground environment can be cool and damp.
- Allow 1-2 hours to fully explore the catacombs and the visitor center.
- Check the Heritage Malta website for the latest opening hours and ticket information.
- Visit during the shoulder seasons (April-June or September-November) for pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds.
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 get off at the 'Rabat' stop. From there, walk straight up towards the center of Rabat; the catacombs are less than 10 minutes away. A single bus ticket costs €3.
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Walking
From the center of Rabat, St Paul's Catacombs are within easy walking distance. Head south on Triq il-Kbira, then turn left onto Triq Santa Rita. Finally, turn right onto Triq Hal-Bajjada. The catacombs will be on your left. The walk is approximately 10 minutes.
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Driving
From Mdina, drive along Triq Tal-Mużew and Wesgħa tal-Mużew, then turn left onto Triq Santa Rita. At the end of the road, turn right onto Triq Ħal Bajjada. The catacombs will be on your left. Parking is available along Triq Ħal Bajjada, but spaces are limited. Alternative parking can be found at is-Saqqaja, il-Wesgħa tal-Mużew, or Triq Rudolph Saliba. Note that Triq Santa Rita is closed to traffic every Sunday morning.
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