St. Catald Catacomb, Buskett Gardens Travel Guide

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Discover an intimate glimpse into early Christian burial rituals at the St. Catald Catacomb, a hidden gem in Rabat, Malta.

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St. Catald Catacomb

Explore the St. Catald Catacomb in Rabat, Malta, a small, well-preserved hypogeum beneath a 1745 chapel dedicated to an obscure Irish saint. Dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, these catacombs offer a glimpse into early Christian funerary rituals, featuring unique canopied tombs and a rare agape table.

A brief summary to St. Catald Catacomb

V9JX+P65, Bir Ir-Riebu, Rabat, MT
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Monday 9 am-4:30 pm
Tuesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Wednesday 9 am-4:30 pm
Thursday 9 am-4:30 pm
Friday 9 am-4:30 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 9 am-4:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring St. Catald Catacomb.

Entry is by donation, so be generous to support the upkeep of this historical site.
Combine your visit with a trip to nearby St. Paul's Catacombs for a broader understanding of Maltese burial practices.
The catacombs are smaller than others, so plan for a shorter visit, around 20-30 minutes.

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Other nearby places you may find interesting

The closest places of the same kind, if this one is not quite what you had in mind.

Buskett Woods

Verdala Palace

Buskett Woodlands

Palazzo Santa Sofia

Chateau Buskett

Explore St. Catald Catacomb on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near St. Catald Catacomb, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

The St. Catald Catacomb is located near the main church of St. Paul in Rabat's center. From St. Paul's Church, walk along Triq il-Kullegg towards the catacombs. The walk is short and straightforward. No costs are involved.
Public Transport

From Valletta, take bus routes 50, 51, 52, 53, or 56 to Rabat. Alight at the 'Buzugrilla' bus stop, which is a short walk from the catacombs. Single bus tickets cost approximately €2-3. From the bus stop, walk along Triq il-Kullegg towards the catacombs.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Malta. A taxi ride from Valletta to St. Catald Catacomb in Rabat typically costs between €20-€30, depending on traffic and the taxi company. The journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes. Ask the driver to drop you off near St. Paul's Church, from where you can easily walk to the catacombs.

Discover more about St. Catald Catacomb

The St. Catald Catacomb, located in Rabat, Malta, presents a unique and intimate look into ancient burial practices. Situated beneath a small chapel built in 1745, the catacomb dates back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries and was originally a Punic burial shaft. Dedicated to St. Catald, an Irish saint likely introduced to Malta by the Normans, the site offers a quieter, less crowded alternative to the more famous catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha.Visitors descend a steep staircase within the church to discover a well-preserved hypogeum. The catacomb features a variety of tombs, including canopied table graves and loculi for infants, surrounding a chamber known as the Triclinium. One of the highlights is the agape table, a circular platform carved from the rock, used for commemorative meals to celebrate the lives of the deceased. These meals were held annually to honor the dead.The catacombs provide a serene and reflective atmosphere, allowing visitors to connect with Malta's early Christian heritage. The site is maintained through donations, and a friendly local often shares insights into its history and significance. Though smaller and lesser-known, the St. Catald Catacomb offers an authentic and historically significant experience.