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Mysterium Fidei Monastery: A Hidden World Beneath Valletta

Explore a hidden monastery in Valletta: Uncover centuries of history and the secluded lives of cloistered nuns in a unique underground setting.

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Discover a captivating underground complex and secret garden within the heart of Valletta at the Mysterium Fidei Monastery. For over 400 years, this hidden world remained inaccessible to the public, housing cloistered nuns of the Second Order of Saint Augustine. Now open to visitors, it offers a unique glimpse into their secluded lives and the rich history of this remarkable site.

A brief summary to Mysterium Fidei Monastery

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance at mysteriumfidei.com to guarantee entry, especially during peak season.
  • Download the free Mysterium Fidei app for an immersive audio tour in multiple languages; bring headphones for a more personal experience.
  • Note that Wi-Fi connectivity can be spotty in some underground areas due to thick walls; signage is available in English.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking on uneven stone floors and navigating the steep stairs at the entrance.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    Mysterium Fidei Monastery is located on St. Christopher Street in Valletta, easily accessible on foot from most points within the city center. From Republic Street, walk south past St. George's Square. Turn left onto St. Christopher Street; the monastery is on the left, opposite the Barrister Hotel. The walk is generally flat, but be prepared for some slight inclines typical of Valletta's terrain.

  • Public Transport

    Valletta is the central terminus for Malta's bus network. From the main bus terminal just outside City Gate, walk straight ahead into the city. Follow Republic Street, turning left onto St. Christopher Street. The monastery will be on your left. A single bus journey costs €2.50 in summer and €2.00 in winter, valid for two hours, allowing transfers. Consider purchasing a Tallinja Explore Card for unlimited travel if you plan to use public transport frequently.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    Taxis and ride-sharing services like Bolt and eCabs are readily available throughout Malta. Request a ride to St. Christopher Street in Valletta. Be aware that traffic within Valletta can be congested, especially during peak hours. A short taxi ride within Valletta is likely to cost between €10-€15.

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Discover more about Mysterium Fidei Monastery

Venture beneath the bustling streets of Valletta and step into the serene world of the Mysterium Fidei Monastery, also known as St. Catherine's Monastery. Founded in 1575, the monastery provided refuge for female orphans, originally in the palace of Marquis Giovanni Vasco Oliviero and his wife Katerina. The couple donated their home, Casa Vanilla, out of gratitude for their son's recovery from the plague, and it evolved into a monastery. Explore the underground complex, a former quarry from which the monastery's stones were extracted. This subterranean space has been transformed into a museum, offering a glimpse into the daily lives of the cloistered nuns. See their simple bedrooms, kitchens, and work areas, and learn about their self-sufficient lifestyle. The nuns made tiles and candles to support themselves. The museum also reveals a more complex history, including rooms where young women deemed threats to morality were cared for and helped to reform. Discover the hidden garden, a tranquil oasis with herbs, fruit trees, and freshwater wells. This enclosed space provided the nuns with food and a connection to nature. During World War II, the underground rooms served as shelters for the nuns. The monastery also holds a crypt, the final resting place for nuns who vowed never to leave its walls. Mysterium Fidei offers a multi-sensory experience, inviting visitors to appreciate the architecture, history, and peaceful atmosphere of this unique site. An audio tour is available in multiple languages, providing insights into the lives of the nuns and the stories held within these ancient walls.

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