St. Paul's Catacombs: An Ancient Underground Cemetery

Delve into Malta's rich past at St. Paul's Catacombs, located in Rabat. This sprawling underground cemetery, dating back to the Phoenician-Punic period, reveals layers of history from the 3rd century BC to the 8th century AD. The catacombs served as a burial ground outside the walls of the ancient Roman city of Melite (now Mdina), as Roman law prohibited burials within the city.Spanning over 2,000 square meters, the main complex showcases a network of interconnected passages and tombs. Discover the unique architectural features, including 'agape tables' or triclinia, circular stone tables used for ritualistic meals commemorating the dead. These tables, hewn from the living rock, are a distinctive feature of Maltese catacombs.St. Paul's Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. While named after St. Paul, who is believed to have brought Christianity to Malta, the catacombs predate his arrival. The site provides insights into the burial traditions of Pagan, Jewish, and Christian communities that coexisted in Malta during the Roman period.Excavated and investigated in the late 19th century, the catacombs offer a glimpse into how ancient civilizations cared for their dead. Explore over 20 of the catacombs in the St Paul's cluster and witness the diverse burial chambers and corridors that once housed over 1,000 bodies.