Rabat: go beneath the surface

Why go

Rabat makes a rewarding companion to Mdina, particularly if you want to explore a different period of the islands’ history. St Paul’s Catacombs are an underground cemetery complex with use spanning ancient periods. Heritage Malta explains that their association with St Paul comes from a tradition linking them to the grotto, rather than a demonstrated underground connection. That distinction matters: enjoy the story, but let the archaeological evidence lead the visit. The site’s passages and rock-cut features offer a very different experience from a palace or church.

How to shape your visit

Make St Paul’s Catacombs your main booked or ticketed stop, then allow a town walk and lunch afterwards. Read the interpretation before entering the underground spaces so the details have context. If you are also visiting Mdina, decide which attraction deserves the longer interior visit and keep the other town lighter. Families can make the outing more engaging by choosing a few things to look for, such as carved tables or different tomb forms, rather than racing through every passage. Photography and access should follow the site’s current rules.

Know before you go

Underground heritage spaces can involve confined sections, changes in level and surfaces that require attention. Check the official access information if anyone in your group has mobility or sensory needs; not every part of a historic site is equally accessible. Our half-day suggestion allows for an unhurried visit and a meal, without prescribing a fixed tour length. Consult the operator for tickets, opening dates and last admission. Keep the next travel connection loose enough that you can leave at a comfortable pace, and avoid scheduling another timed admission immediately afterwards.

PLAN YOUR VISIT