Saint Agatha Catacombs: Subterranean Echoes of Early Christianity

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Uncover Malta's ancient past in the depths of the Saint Agatha Catacombs, a historical landmark with early Christian roots and fascinating burial traditions.

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Saint Agatha Catacombs

Explore the Saint Agatha Catacombs in Rabat, Malta, an extensive underground cemetery complex dating back to the 3rd century AD. Discover early Christian frescoes, unique 'agape tables,' and the fascinating history of St. Agatha, who sought refuge here during Roman persecutions.

A brief summary to Saint Agatha Catacombs

Triq Sant Agata, Hal-Bajjada, Rabat, MT
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Monday 1 pm-4:30 pm
Tuesday 1 pm-4:30 pm
Wednesday 1 pm-4:30 pm
Thursday 1 pm-4 pm
Friday 1 pm-4:30 pm
Saturday 10 am-1:30 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Saint Agatha Catacombs.

Wear comfortable shoes as the catacombs have uneven floors and narrow passages.
Note that photography is not allowed inside the catacombs to preserve the delicate frescoes.
The site may be claustrophobic for some visitors due to the underground environment.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Valletta, take bus routes 50 or 53 to Rabat. The catacombs are located on Triq Sant' Agata, a short walk from the Domus Romana and St. Paul's Catacombs. A single bus fare costs €3.
Walking

From the center of Rabat, the catacombs are easily accessible on foot. Follow the signs towards St. Paul's Catacombs; St. Agatha's is a short walk down a side street.
Taxi

A taxi from Malta International Airport to Rabat costs approximately €25-30 and takes around 20-30 minutes. From there, the catacombs are a short walk or taxi ride away. A short taxi ride within Rabat should cost around €10-€15.

Discover more about Saint Agatha Catacombs

Delve into the intriguing world beneath Rabat at the Saint Agatha Catacombs, a sprawling subterranean complex that offers a glimpse into early Christian Malta. Dating back to the 3rd century AD, these catacombs served as a burial place for pagans, Jews, and Christians, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of the time.The catacombs are named after Saint Agatha, a Sicilian Christian who, according to legend, fled to Malta in 249 AD to escape persecution by the Roman Emperor Decius. She is said to have taken refuge in a natural cave within the complex, which later became a place of Christian worship. The site includes a crypt dedicated to St. Agatha, featuring ancient frescoes, some dating back to the 3rd century.As you wander through the labyrinthine network of tombs, you'll encounter various burial types and the remains of ancient frescoes. The 'agape tables,' hewn out of rock, provide a unique insight into early Christian funerary rituals, where mourners commemorated the deceased with a farewell meal. The complex also features a small museum that displays Roman, Etruscan, and Egyptian artifacts. The catacombs connect to the devotion to St. James in Spain and represent an important starting point for pilgrims.