A Handy Visitor’s Guide to St. Paul’s Catacombs in Malta

Malta’s connection to its Roman past remains one of the island’s most fascinating stories. From 218 BC to 535 AD, when Malta was known as Melita, it served as an important Mediterranean outpost for the Roman Empire.

One of the most intriguing glimpses into this ancient civilisation is through the catacombs in Malta, especially the St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat. These burial sites reveal layers of Roman religious practices and beliefs, indicating how communities once honoured their dead.

If you’re planning a visit to the catacombs, this guide covers all you need to know, from fascinating facts to tips, ticket prices, and accessibility details, making your journey through St Paul’s Catacombs as enriching as possible.

You may have heard about catacombs but not really know what these are. Catacombs are in fact man-made underground passages carved into the rock which were primarily used for burial and associated religious rituals. Catacombs are most commonly associated with the Romans, and are believed to have been introduced to Malta by the empire when they ruled the island.

Catacombs became more popular with the rise of Christianity. Traditionally, Romans cremated their dead, but as Christianity spread, so did beliefs about resurrection of the body, leading Christians to prefer burial to leave the body intact. Catacombs provided a private, secure space for these burials, safe from grave robbers or vandals who could disturb above-ground graves.

Malta has several important catacomb sites. St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s catacombs in Rabat are among the most famous, while others, like Ta’ Bistra in Mosta and Ghajn Rażul on Gozo, offer glimpses into ancient burial practices around the island. These catacombs, preserved through time, reveal a fascinating piece of Malta’s history and early Christian life.

As Malta’s largest ancient burial site, St. Paul’s Catacombs cover over 2,000 square metres, dating back to around the 3rd or 4th century BCE. Created by the Romans, these underground passages are believed to have once held over 1,000 bodies, with some human remains still visible today.

Here’s a closer look at three unique aspects of this historical site.

St. Paul’s Catacombs are named after the Apostle Paul, who, according to the Bible’s Acts of the Apostles, was shipwrecked on Malta. Some assumed a link between the catacombs and St. Paul, but there isn’t any concrete evidence to support it. The site was named because of its proximity to a grotto where Paul is thought to have stayed, yet there’s no real connection between the two. Nevertheless, St. Paul’s legacy lives on in Rabat, with the area’s sites commonly named in his honour.

Given Malta’s limited land, using underground catacombs for burial made a lot of sense. The Romans designed these chambers to save valuable space, as building upward freed surface land for farming and development. Families would gather within the catacombs to honour loved ones, decorating chambers with carvings, painted symbols, and heartfelt inscriptions. These personal touches remain today, giving us a glimpse into ancient burial practices and the love people had for their families.

While some cultures preferred separate burial sites to keep different beliefs apart, St. Paul’s Catacombs were more diverse. Archaeologists have found Christian, Pagan, and Jewish burials here, suggesting these communities coexisted without strict divisions. Symbols such as crosses, menorahs, and Latin inscriptions decorate the walls, showcasing a blend of cultural and religious practices from ancient Malta. This unique feature offers insights into Malta’s role as a multicultural hub in the Mediterranean, where diverse beliefs and customs intermingled peacefully.

Planning a visit to St Paul’s Catacombs? Here’s a handy guide to make the most of this historical attraction located in Rabat, Malta.

St Paul’s Catacombs lie in the historic town of Rabat, located in northern Malta. If you’re using public transport, the bus route from Valletta is your best bet for a direct ride that takes around 40 minutes. Other bus routes are available but may require transfers. For those driving, there’s convenient public parking nearby, making it accessible for both tourists and locals.

The catacombs are open year-round, though hours vary slightly by season. For the latest updates on opening hours, check the Heritage Malta website, where you can also find ticket information and buy tickets online. To take in the full experience, plan for one to two hours to explore both the catacombs and the visitor centre, which includes an introductory video, exhibits, and a gift shop with Maltese souvenirs.

The visitor centre, including the gift shop, is wheelchair accessible. However, due to the site’s historic nature, not all areas within the catacombs are easily navigable. Some corridors are narrow and have low ceilings, so if you’re claustrophobic or have limited mobility, you may prefer the more open areas above ground. Stairs are also involved, so wheelchair users or those who struggle with steps may find certain sections challenging to access.

The culturally-rich town of Rabat provides plenty of interesting attractions, so a visit to St Paul’s Catacombs can easily be paired with other nearby sites. For further exploration underground, head to St Paul’s Grotto, traditionally believed to be where the Apostle Paul stayed after his shipwreck on Malta.

Another fascinating spot is the Wignacourt Museum, just off the main piazza outside Rabat’s parish church. It offers access to catacombs used as WWII air raid shelters and showcases underground relics from the 7th century.

And if you’re intrigued by Malta’s Roman past, the Domus Romana, or Roman Villa, sits just outside Rabat’s town core. Built around the remains of an aristocratic Roman townhouse, it features stunning mosaics and artifacts from the 1st century BC.

Plus, if you’re up for more exploration, the ancient walled city of Mdina is a leisurely stroll away and is packed with historical sites and a glimpse into olden Malta.

If you’re a guest at one of our award-winning AX Hotels in Sliema, Qawra, or Valletta, then reach out to our dedicated service team for tailored suggestions for your visit to the St Paul’s Catacombs in Malta, ensuring you make the most of your day in the Rabat area.