St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat are Malta's largest underground cemetery from 3rd-4th c. AD. Over 1,000 tombs in 2,000 sq m. Agape tables for funerary feasts, shared by Christians, Jews, and pagans.
St. Paul's Catacombs in Rabat are Malta's largest underground burial complex, extending over 2,000 square metres. They were created in the 3rd-4th centuries AD as a cemetery outside the walls of the ancient city of Melita (today's Mdina). They contain over 1,000 tombs arranged in a labyrinth of corridors and chambers carved from rock.
A unique feature of the catacombs are the agape tables, stone tables with couches carved from rock at which families feasted in honour of the dead. These are among the best-preserved structures of their kind in the Mediterranean world. The funerary feasts (refrigerium) were a Christian practice, but the tradition derived from pagan Roman customs.
A remarkable feature is that Christian, Jewish, and pagan tombs are found side by side, sometimes in the same chambers. Jewish tombs are identified by menorah symbols, Christian ones by the cross, and pagan ones by the absence of religious symbols. This coexistence testifies to religious tolerance in ancient Malta.
Practical tip: Entry EUR 6. Corridors are low (duck!) and cool (about 18 C year-round). Combine with Domus Romana and Mdina (both 5 minutes' walk). Heritage Malta offers a discounted combined ticket.
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Entry EUR 6. Quite cool inside — ideal in summer. Combine with a visit to Mdina next door.
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Wignacourt College in Rabat — a museum with Mattia Preti collections, papal shoes, and a sedan chair. Underground corridors connect to the catacombs beneath Rabat.
St. Paul's Basilica in Rabat stands above the grotto where, according to tradition, the Apostle Paul lived after his shipwreck in Malta in 60 AD. One of the oldest places of worship on the island.
Pastizzi for 50 cents — the best in all of Malta. Squire Wojtek ordered ten. The only place to receive a 5/5 rating.