St Paul’s Catacombs Rabat

St Paul’s Catacombs

The St. Paul’s area consists of the hypogea made in the Phoenician-Punic time.

These catacombs owe their name to the fact that they were connected to St. Paul’s Grotto and are the largest catacomb complex in Malta.

The origin of the catacombs date from the Phoenician-Punic time about 700 till 550 BC. In the Maltese language there are still words from that era.

The Phoenicians made graves outside their fortress. The rule of the Roman law prohibited the burying of persons within the city. Therefore these catacombs are situated outside the city of Melita ( present Mdina ). The catacombs are proof of early Christianity in Malta.

The area covers more than 2000 square metres and includes catacombs of St. Paul, San Katald, Saint Agatha and St. Augustine.

Via two big halls decorated with pillars and murals, one has access to the catacombs of St. Paul. The murals are hardly visible anymore.

In the St. Paul’s Catacombs one can find examples of all types of funerals which are known on the Maltese islands. The most common graves are the type of the baldacchino graves. A baldacchino grave consists of a free-standing platform ( altar ) with a throne on top with or without columns, draped with cloth at back- and frontside. It can also be compared to a four-poster bed.

In the big halls there is a round table to be found. This table is called triclinia or agape table and is in all likelihood the commemoration of the dead during the (food) festival with the deceased.

Over time the burial chambers became larger and had a regular form, which eventually resulted in making smaller catacombs in Rabat in the 4th century AD.

During the Saraceen period the complex has been looted and fell into disrepair. Around the 13th century the catacombs were reused again. After a short period the catacombs were not used and fell into disrepair.

In 1894 the catacombs were cleaned of debris and investigated archaeologically.

St. Paul’s and St. Agatha Catacombs are open to the public.

We have set up a separate page on the St. Agatha catacombs, the St Paul's Grotto and St Paul’s Catacombs.

Opening hours	Daily 10:00 - 18:00
Last admission	Advice 30 minutes before closing
Closed	24,25 & 31 December, 1 January, Good Friday, Easter Day and public holidays
Ticket / admission fee
Adults (18-59 yrs)	€ 6.00
Youths (12-17 yrs)	€ 4.50
Infants (1-5 yrs)	Free
Seniors Citizens (60+ yrs)	€ 5.00
Concessions and Students	€ 4.50
Family Pack (2 Adults and 2 children under 13 yrs)	€ 2.00
The Rabat combo Ticket gives access to the Romvs Romana, the National Museum of Natural History and St. Paul's Catacombs
Address and street / location can be found on our map, click on Guide in the menu bar and you will get a map with markers.
Latest news and original website of the attraction / spot / advent	Click here

Additional information

St Paul’s Catacombs - Terrain map with the catacombs

St Paul’s Catacombs - map with the main group catacombs

St Paul’s Catacombs - section and structure of a catacomb

St Paul’s Catacombs - Gathering place for commemoration of the dead.