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Mysterium Fidei Monastery: A Glimpse into Cloistered Life

Discover a hidden world beneath Valletta: Explore the Mysterium Fidei Monastery and uncover centuries of cloistered life in a unique underground complex.

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Descend beneath Valletta's bustling streets to discover the Mysterium Fidei Monastery, a hidden underground complex within St. Catherine's Monastery. For over 400 years, this secret world housed cloistered nuns, and now offers a unique glimpse into their secluded lives through preserved living spaces and a tranquil garden.

A brief summary to Mysterium Fidei Monastery

Local tips

  • Download the Mysterium Fidei app before your visit for an immersive audio tour available in multiple languages.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the tour involves walking through an underground complex.
  • Note that the monastery is still active, so maintain a respectful demeanor during your visit.
  • Check the opening hours in advance, as they may vary on Sundays and public holidays.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Mysterium Fidei Monastery is located on St. Christopher Street in Valletta. From City Gate, walk straight along Republic Street, then turn left onto St. Christopher Street. The monastery will be on your left. The walk is approximately 5-7 minutes. No costs are involved.

  • Public Transport

    Valletta is the main terminus for buses in Malta. From the main bus station just outside City Gate, walk straight along Republic Street, then turn left onto St. Christopher Street. The monastery will be on your left. A single bus journey costs €2.50. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Tallinja card for cost-effective travel if you plan to use public transport frequently.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Valletta. A short taxi ride from anywhere in the city center to the Mysterium Fidei Monastery will typically cost between €10-€15. Taxi stands are located near City Gate.

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Discover more about Mysterium Fidei Monastery

Venture into the heart of Valletta and uncover the Mysterium Fidei Monastery, a captivating museum nestled beneath St. Catherine's Monastery on St. Christopher Street. This unique site, only recently opened to the public, offers a rare glimpse into the world of cloistered nuns who have resided here since the era of the Knights of St. John. Founded in 1575, St. Catherine's Monastery was originally established to care for female orphans. Marquis Giovanni Vasco Oliviero and his wife Katerina, grateful for their son's recovery from the plague, donated their palace, Casa Vanilla, to the nuns. They also funded the construction of a cloister and an additional floor, bequeathing all their possessions to the monastery. The stones used to build the monastery were quarried directly from the site, creating the underground complex that now forms the Mysterium Fidei Museum. Explore the nuns' living quarters, including simple bedrooms, kitchens, washrooms, and even their final resting place in the crypt. The museum also reveals a hidden garden, a self-sustaining oasis where the nuns cultivate herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Discover the wells used for fresh water and perhaps catch a glimpse of Mimi, the monastery's friendly cat. One of the most intriguing aspects of the Mysterium Fidei is the insight it provides into the nuns' daily lives and the historical context of their seclusion. The museum also sheds light on the stories of young women who were brought to the monastery, offering a glimpse into the social dynamics of the time. Note that the upper floors of the monastery remain a closed cloister, and are still home to a few cloistered nuns of the Second Order of Saint Augustine.

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