St Paul's Catacombs
St Paul's Catacombs
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
Closed
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
St.Paul's Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD. They are located on the outskirts of the old Roman capital Melite (today's Mdina), since Roman law prohibited burials within the city. St Paul's Catacombs represent the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. The site was cleared and investigated in 1894 by Dr A.A. Caruana, the pioneer of Christian era archaeology in Malta.
Duration: 1-2 hours
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- anaowenChorley, United Kingdom1,080 contributionsOkIt was a good trip, however there was no guided tour, only an app if you wanted - I don't want an app, people are always on their phones, so a trip out like that, would be nice to just get away from apps and phones! Interesting but would be even better if someone told us about its history. We paid 6 euros each, which was a reasonable price. Good but could be better.Visited April 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten April 1, 2024
- Matthew PLondon, United Kingdom6,298 contributionsLoads of gravesSet on both sides of the road, and if you do not mind walking on glass floor worth a visit. Lots of steps to go down to see almost the same thing in each place. Worth a look but after a while you get a bit bored as it all looks the same.Visited May 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten May 20, 2024
- PCGGItaly93 contributionsIt's worth it... when it's coolerInteresting visit of the catacombs of St. Paul, preserved very well and enclosed in a park to be visited according to a guided tour. Not being very deep, in August it is very hot even underground. Probably appreciated more in another periodVisited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten August 26, 2024
- Manuito117 contributionsInteresting but repetitiveSt. Paul's Catacombs in Mdina are worth visiting, especially if you’re interested in Malta’s ancient history. The site is only a 10-minute walk from the public parking areas, making it convenient to include in your visit to Mdina. However, after seeing a couple of catacombs, the experience does become somewhat repetitive. Despite this, it's still a fascinating glimpse into early Christian burial practices and worth a visit if you have the time.Visited August 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 1, 2024
- Orazione73Ferrara, Italy2,824 contributionsNot for everyoneInteresting archaeological site located in the center of Rabat. After paying for the tickets, the first part of the visit begins with a room in which some artifacts found at the site and some burials are exhibited. In the outer courtyard there are accesses to the proto-Christian catacombs consisting mainly of two main halls and numerous tunnels and secondary cells. The underground tour is not suitable for everyone as the passages are narrow and dimly lit, there are completely no signs so it is easy to get lost and the heat is suffocating. Better to visit them out of season.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten September 15, 2024
- Amy MBerkhamsted, United Kingdom12 contributionsInterestingVery fascinating location, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to explore. I would also suggest going as early as possible, or towards the end of the day to avoid the crowds - not one for anybody who suffers with being in enclosed small spaces! It would also not be appropriate for anybody with mobility issues, as there are quite steep steps into each catacomb (although there are information points dotted around that are easily accessible, so you can still learn about the history).Visited September 2024Traveled with familyWritten September 17, 2024
- Ian0090Bournemouth, United Kingdom34 contributionsShame that we did not have a guided tourVery interesting visitors’ centre at the beginning of the visit to explain Roman burial practices with a few exhibits on show. The site is divided into two by a road, which you cross to get to further and more numerous catacombs. I was surprised by a general lack of decoration/frescoes/carving especially after visiting the catacombs on the Appian Way outside Rome. Perhaps they have eroded over time or been removed to another location. Shame that we did not have a guide, as eventually going up and down the stairs of so many similar tombs became repetitive. Could the site not issue a leaflet with a route to the more interesting areas? One morphed into another and eventually we lost the inclination to see them all.Visited September 2024Traveled with friendsWritten September 20, 2024
- cgalyMainz, Germany27 contributionsImpressive and huge catacombs with a nice museumBefore starting the visit to the catacombs, there is a museum with interesting information on funerary traditions in Ancient Rome. More rooms with very interesting information are sparsed around the site, between the entrance to different catacombs. I found them not only interesting, but also a nice break from the many catacombs. These catacombs are huge and include Cristian, pagan and Jewish burial sites. The site is split into two areas, and you need to cross the street to reach the second one. Inside the catacombs it gets very humid and space is tight. You need to hold yourself to the handrails, and better not to wear sandals. There are notes about the catacombs and peculiarities of the ones you’re visiting. Some are bigger and ramifications more than others, and you may have to squat down into smaller passages.Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten October 18, 2024
- BelfasttravelguyBelfast, United Kingdom2,157 contributionsAverageMaybe it was just the mood I was in on this particular day but this wasn’t really my cup of tea. It just felt like people were wandering aimlessly underground in the dark without really understanding what we were looking at. I felt a bit claustrophobic. Entrance fee was €6 for an adult. I must have stayed for about ten minutes and decided that I’d had enough. Maybe having a tour guide with some explanations might have made me more interested.Visited October 2024Traveled soloWritten October 27, 2024
- bikerbabe2014Dublin, Ireland344 contributionsStep back in timeHave a read of the info in the museum before your visit as there is no literature within the catacombs. Sturdy shoes would be a benefit as you travel through restricted tunnels and view the catacombs of Christian, Jewish and pagan burials. Very interesting.Visited November 2024Traveled with friendsWritten November 20, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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VRomeijn
Amsterdam, The Netherlands179 contributions
May 2024 • Couples
We enjoyed visiting St. Paul's Catacombs. A visit to the catacombs starts in a little museum located just after the entrance. The museum provides some exhibits with important information on the catacombs, and it does this in a nice and accessible way.
The catacombs themselves are interesting to visit. Obviously you have to be prepared to spend some time in the very narrow spaces of the catacombs, but if this isn't an issue for you, wandering through the catacombs will likely be a captivating experience for you.
I can't really fault the museum for this considering the entrance fee, but aside from the museum, the information provided on the catacombs themselves is quite sparse. I can imagine guided tours being logistically impossible, and I think it's reasonable to assume that having experts walk around the catacombs at all times is also unrealistic, but we would have, for example, appreciated a bit more information on the signs. Overall, an experience that is adequate but simultaneously leaves you wanting a bit more.
The catacombs themselves are interesting to visit. Obviously you have to be prepared to spend some time in the very narrow spaces of the catacombs, but if this isn't an issue for you, wandering through the catacombs will likely be a captivating experience for you.
I can't really fault the museum for this considering the entrance fee, but aside from the museum, the information provided on the catacombs themselves is quite sparse. I can imagine guided tours being logistically impossible, and I think it's reasonable to assume that having experts walk around the catacombs at all times is also unrealistic, but we would have, for example, appreciated a bit more information on the signs. Overall, an experience that is adequate but simultaneously leaves you wanting a bit more.
Written December 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Magnumbazzer
Burgess Hill, UK372 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
There is an informative museum at the beginning of the tour which gives you a full understanding of the underground catacombs you’re about to visit, so it’s well worth spending a bit of time there reading the various displays. The catacombs are, to say the very least, extensive. We thought we’d finished only to discover that you then cross the road where there are even more. So many in fact, that in the end it did get a bit samey and we cut out probably the last third or so. But by that time we had a really good understanding of what they were, why they existed and the important work that’s been going on preserving them for future generations.
The catacombs are down teeny steps, seriously narrow, low ceilinged, very dark in places and definitely claustrophobic if you’re that way inclined. Nevertheless, they’re definitely recommended as something different – very different…
The catacombs are down teeny steps, seriously narrow, low ceilinged, very dark in places and definitely claustrophobic if you’re that way inclined. Nevertheless, they’re definitely recommended as something different – very different…
Written December 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
C H
Vienna, Austria320 contributions
Aug 2023 • Friends
Basically, the catacombs are extremely fascinating and the audio guide - which is only available in English or Maltese - is well designed. The size of the area is also remarkable. Unfortunately, it was very hot during our visit and the humidity was very high. As a result, it was hotter/much more humid in the catacombs than outside, which unfortunately made the visit very unpleasant and we had to cut it short.

Written September 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mark2879
Grays Thurrock, UK19 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
I visited on my own as my wife preferred sitting in Valletta drinking coffee. I got the bus from Valletta bus station (no 52) and it took about 45/50mins to get to Rabat. Bus was €2 each way (€4 in total)
I used my Google maps to get to the Catacombs which took about 8 minutes walking. The entry fee was €6 which I thought was fair.
The museum display is very interesting and it was nice to immerse myself for an hour or so.
The Catacombs are amazing & incredible to think about the religious beliefs and culture of our ancestors. Some of the Catacombs are better than others and these are labelled by a display on the outside.
People have mentioned in reviews about lack of labelling, I just took a picture before going down into the Catacomb.
Took me about 2 to 2.5 hours to wander round and once I was done I returned back to Vallarta by bus again about 45/50mins.
In total I think I was gone for about 4 hours so keep that in mind as I can’t see how you’d be able to make a day of it.
Would recommend.
I used my Google maps to get to the Catacombs which took about 8 minutes walking. The entry fee was €6 which I thought was fair.
The museum display is very interesting and it was nice to immerse myself for an hour or so.
The Catacombs are amazing & incredible to think about the religious beliefs and culture of our ancestors. Some of the Catacombs are better than others and these are labelled by a display on the outside.
People have mentioned in reviews about lack of labelling, I just took a picture before going down into the Catacomb.
Took me about 2 to 2.5 hours to wander round and once I was done I returned back to Vallarta by bus again about 45/50mins.
In total I think I was gone for about 4 hours so keep that in mind as I can’t see how you’d be able to make a day of it.
Would recommend.
Written August 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Linsey A
8 contributions
Jun 2023
A great place to visit, the WWII shelters and the catacombs are so interesting as is the small museum it is attached to especially as the entrance fee is only 6 euros. There is also a restaurant outside in the middle where you can sit in a pretty garden and have an incredible pizza. Well worth the short walk from Mdina
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CheekyLondon
Southend-on-Sea, UK1,648 contributions
Jun 2022
A fascinating place where you descend to see the ancient burial places. There are steps and a handrail in all places, so you feel safe. There are two parts to the catacombs. As you walk away from Rabat centre towards the catacombs, there are two sets - one on the left and one on the right. Both are interesting but, if you want an overview and to see the most extensive ones, go to the ones on the left as these are bigger and more interesting. We bought a combined ticket for Euros 20 and this included the catacombs, the sightseeing tourist train ride, the Roman Museum and the National Museum. Good value for money!
Written June 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cawap68
Cerdanyola del Valles, Spain693 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
Apart from the impressiveness of these places, their symbolism is not far behind. Pope John Paul II prayed in this cave, which speaks volumes of how important it is. The route is not long, only the passageways and tunnels of the catacombs are narrow, but not overwhelmed. I recommend renting the audio guide. The tour is complemented by a museum on the upper floors. It is a good stop before starting the visit to the great Mdina.
Automatically translated
Written January 12, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jörn K
Donaueschingen, Germany70 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
The catacombs are very interesting. Before you can enter the catacombs, you pass through a museum where a lot of interesting things are on display. There are various exhibits on display, such as skeletons of small children, who used to have a higher mortality rate, and various grave goods and so on. The graves were used before Roman times. Different religions and nationalities were buried in these graves. I found it very worth seeing and very interesting, especially when you look at what the cult of the dead was like at that time and compare it with our time.

Written September 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
annieok2014
Bergamo, Italy5,657 contributions
Nov 2024 • Family
The presence and location of most of the Catacombs of São Paulo were already known in the mid-17th century but it was not until the late 1800s that the main catacomb began to be cleaned and inspected.
In ancient times the area was located just outside the city walls; the first use of the site took place about the sixth century BC by the Phoenicians as a large quarry while the first cemetery was established during the fourth or third century BC.
Most catacombs are equipped with a fiberglass walkway and a sensor-activated lighting system.
The Visitor Centre provides information, short videos and an extensive exhibition.
In ancient times the area was located just outside the city walls; the first use of the site took place about the sixth century BC by the Phoenicians as a large quarry while the first cemetery was established during the fourth or third century BC.
Most catacombs are equipped with a fiberglass walkway and a sensor-activated lighting system.
The Visitor Centre provides information, short videos and an extensive exhibition.
Automatically translated
Written November 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
charalabos
Marmari, Greece120 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
6 euros per person "thrown away" to see 10 minutes a small area without lighting, which was the catacombs of the Apostle Paul. I will agree with the reviews that talked about the wonderful cafes on the same road on the way. Tour the very beautiful city of Mdina and not you miss absolutely nothing to see the catacombs.

Written November 15, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Where is the excavated rock from St Paul’s catacombs? All too easy to say spread around. Where there are mines in England Wales etc the discarded spoils are nearby. No effort made to spread the unwanted spoil.
Also, I was told the earthquake in 1653 had no effect on the catacombs! Right or wrong? The Cathedral was extensively damaged.
Written June 13, 2023
Where is the excavated rock from St Paul’s catacombs? All too easy to say spread around. Where there are mines in England Wales etc the discarded spoils are nearby. No effort made to spread the unwanted spoil.
Also, I was told the earthquake in 1653 had no effect on the catacombs! Right or wrong? The Cathedral was extensively damaged.
Written June 13, 2023
Is there a dress code for visiting? Eg are shorts ok to wear?
Written September 6, 2019
Hi.
What happened to all the skeletal remains?
Were there remains,when the catacombs were discovered?
Just thought I would ask.
Regards
RSA
Written May 29, 2019
Some remains are still there, but others I guess must have been excavated and stored somewhere else.
Written May 30, 2019
Eu fui inserido num grupo de uma agência de viagens mas verifiquei que não existem problemas em se ir de autocarro que demora 44 minutos de La Valletta.
publictransport ponto com ponto mt / en / trip-planner
Written June 25, 2019
Hi!
If you had only time to visit one of the two catacombs (St. Paul's or St. Agatha) wich would you choose?
Thanks a lot!
Written August 29, 2018
Si solo hay tiempo para elegir entre visitar las catacumbas de San Paul ó las de Santa Ágata y teniendo en cuenta que las catacumbas de San Paul a mi me resultaron tediosas, aconsejo ver las de Santa Ágata, aunque a mi la GRUTA de San Paul ( la gruta es otra visita aparte de las catacumbas de San Paul) me gusto mucho y es una visita muy completa porque se puede ver la propia cueva donde se supone estuvo refugiado San Pablo tras sufrir un naufragio cuando los romanos lo llevaban preso a Roma, También se visita la iglesia, unas catacumbas, un refugio antiaéreo y el museo Wignacourt.
Written August 29, 2018
How long do I need to put aside to go around the catacombs? Also, I won’t have time to fit in both these catacombs and the nearby St Agatha’s ones – if anyone has seen both, which would you recommend?
Thanks in advance for any replies.
Written February 14, 2018
You really need to allow at least 1.5 hours to do the visit justice. I have not visited the St Agatha catacombs so cannot comment on that site. I live on the Island of Gozo and if you are visiting Malta but have not previously visited Gozo I can strongly recommend a visit. Also if you are interested in Catacombs there are some Roman ones in the village of Salina, near Qawra, these are free to enter and well worth visiting. They may be small but are truly impressive. Just Google Salina Catacombs for more information. Enjoy your visit to our Islands.
Written February 15, 2018
Hello, it seems like the site is closed. Any chance i go there and get in without an appointment?
Written January 8, 2017
St Paul's Catacombs are currently open to the public daily. Further details can be found on Heritage Malta's website.
Written January 12, 2017
Did you book through a Tour or just went and did it yourselves?
Written May 8, 2016
I just took the tour myself. There area few shops outside the chapel that have some booklets and explain all the rooms, kitchen, meeting room and the use of the catacombs by the Brits in WWII. I suggest you do it yourself and explore on your own. It is not cold down there, but it is humid.
Written May 8, 2016
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