St. Paul's Grotto, Rabat: Hours, Address, St. Paul's Grotto Reviews: 4/5
St. Paul's Grotto
St. Paul's Grotto
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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
Suggested duration
< 1 hour
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience St. Paul's Grotto and nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
166 within 3 miles

Townhouse No3
175
525 ft$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Contemporary

Grotto Tavern
518
14 ft$$$$ • International • Mediterranean • European

Roman's Den Restaurant
436
453 ft$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Grill

Da Luigi
441
0.2 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Mediterranean • European

Root 81
376
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Vegetarian Friendly

Step 15
81
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options

Il-Baxa Cafe Bar
342
192 ft$$ - $$$ • Cafe • Mediterranean • European

Crystal Palace
736
0.2 mi$ • Cafe • Fast Food • Vegetarian Friendly

The Fork and Cork restaurant
607
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Mediterranean • European • Healthy

Chalk Cafe & Wine
153
221 ft$ • Cafe • Mediterranean • European
Attractions
308 within 6 miles

St. Paul's Church
167
27 ftReligious Sites

Sphere Fountain
1
54 ftFountains

Santa Marija ta' Gesu (ta' Giezu)
15
55 ftChurches & Cathedrals

Parish Square
4
65 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks

St Publius Church
3
110 ftChurches & Cathedrals

Wignacourt Museum
224
126 ftSpeciality Museums

Casa Bernard
200
327 ftCastles

St Paul's Catacombs
1,512
469 ftHistoric Sites

St. Cataldus Catacombs
45
244 ftPoints of Interest & Landmarks

San Katald
14
228 ftReligious Sites
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
249 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
102
Average
37
Poor
8
Terrible
1
Sarah b
Lytham St Anne's, UK1,528 contributions
Friends
This was an essential part of the trip for me as I am keen to retrace st Paul's steps! Was a very interesting visit and information boards were provided to make clear the relevance of the cave and the stories around the life of St Paul.
The church was not open to the public due to restoration work however tickets were available at the Wigancourt Museum. This included access to the WW2 caves/ Catacombs and a gallery of fine art on the 1st Floor.
The church was not open to the public due to restoration work however tickets were available at the Wigancourt Museum. This included access to the WW2 caves/ Catacombs and a gallery of fine art on the 1st Floor.
Written March 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sharon
Singapore, Singapore51 contributions
Friends
Entrance was €5 for adults and €2.50 for a concession ticket. This gets you into the grotto area, Catacombs, and WW2 Air raid shelters, plus the Chapel, as well as the museum. Audio guides are €2 more.
We spent over 2 hours in total, and found it extremely fascinating from a historical point of view. However, there aren't that many detailed descriptive signages or explanations in the Catacombs/WW2 shelters portion, and if I were to repeat my visit I would definitely spend the extra 2 bucks on the audioguide.
The passeges are mostly well-lit. Note that you will need to be of a certain physical fitness level as there are quite a few areas with stairs (some a bit uneven and slippery) and certain areas with low passeges and ceilings in the Catacombs. However my impression is that most of this is still more spacious than many of the St Paul's Catacombs as long as you don't go scrambling into the smaller alcove areas. (For the claustrophobic, St Paul's Catacombs has a bunch of panic buttons scattered around that I did not notice in this place...)
Definitely recommended for anyone with an interest in history, especially during the current heatwave as the temperatures are definitely cooler underground out of the scorching sun.
We spent over 2 hours in total, and found it extremely fascinating from a historical point of view. However, there aren't that many detailed descriptive signages or explanations in the Catacombs/WW2 shelters portion, and if I were to repeat my visit I would definitely spend the extra 2 bucks on the audioguide.
The passeges are mostly well-lit. Note that you will need to be of a certain physical fitness level as there are quite a few areas with stairs (some a bit uneven and slippery) and certain areas with low passeges and ceilings in the Catacombs. However my impression is that most of this is still more spacious than many of the St Paul's Catacombs as long as you don't go scrambling into the smaller alcove areas. (For the claustrophobic, St Paul's Catacombs has a bunch of panic buttons scattered around that I did not notice in this place...)
Definitely recommended for anyone with an interest in history, especially during the current heatwave as the temperatures are definitely cooler underground out of the scorching sun.
Written July 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nikki245
Enniskillen, UK441 contributions
Couples
This really towers over the piazza with incredible grandeur. A must see visit to complete your trip to this beautiful island.
Written October 9, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Libby450
London, UK4 contributions
Couples
Very moving to think that one of the Apostles lived in this cave and his work played a key role in the Christian journey of Malta. For me as a Christian it was the highlight of my visit to Malta
Written September 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rv15243
London, UK194 contributions
Friends
Mdina and Rabat are a wonderful in all aspects. Arabic, English and Sicilian mixed and this underground is the percect combo deal.
Written August 4, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TonyC_Austin
Austin, TX311 contributions
Couples
The grotto is part of the Wignacourt Museum and the museum ticket also includes the grotto, catacombs, WW2 shelters. The grotto itself is a very austere area, though there are more elaborate alters adjacent to it.
Written July 1, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
xavier911
319 contributions
Couples
I don't know why they list St. Paul's Catacombs, Grotto & Museum separately because they're all in the same place and one ticket gets you into all three. They are extremely proud that several popes have visited and you'll see this in the Grotto - several pictures and tributes to Pope John Paul. It's very relaxing and enjoyable since you can rest after visiting the catacombs.
Written April 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Nils J
Manchester, UK205 contributions
Couples
It is in the Bible and several Popes have made the pilgrimage to the Grotto where St Paul after been shipwrecked lived for 3 months. It is now been linked to a museum and the fascinating catacombs as well. Entrance fee is modest for this one of the essential places to visit on Malta. Mdina, the ancient capital is within a short walk.
Written February 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
CosmicAvatar
Sandhurst59 contributions
I'd wanted to see this place anyway, but the timing of our visit was most serendipitous as it was bucketing down outside (the only time it rained during our stay, but boy, did it rain!). We saw the grotto (fascinating in itself as St Paul allegedly stayed here for a while), but our ticket also gave us access to the catacombs (we were clambering about the place for ages), the WWII shelters, the chapel AND the museum opposite, which has a pretty decent display of fine art and religious artifacts. Excellent value for money, and the cafe did a decent glass of wine as well. Recommended.
Written November 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
MalteseBeauty
Townsville, Australia215 contributions
Couples
My husband & I visited St Paul’s Catacombs, St Paul’s Grotto & the Musuem. Exceptional Value at 5 Euro + 2 Euro for the Audio Guides. The Audio Guides are a must. It is quite special to see St Paul’s Grotto.
Written June 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Luiz C
Vitoria, ES336 contributions
Provavelmente você esteve nas catacumbas de São Paulo e não na gruta que fica abaixo da igreja, são coisas diferentes e muita gente confunde.
Relaxed
6 contributions
What is the entrance fee
Geordie112
Gateshead, UK895 contributions
5 euros I think, verycheap. Enjoy
dublinerca47
Oshawa, Canada64 contributions
Where is the painting that st.paul did of the madonna?
patrick325
Island of Malta, Malta37 contributions
As already say I don't know of any painting made by St Paul's of the Madonna. I only know of a painting by St Luke but that's in Roma. Maybe you can send a picture of it
dublinerca47
Oshawa, Canada64 contributions
Where is the painting that paul did of the Madonna???
patrick325
Island of Malta, Malta37 contributions
never heard of it . Heard of one made by St Luke but not by St Paul's
Kate H
3 contributions
Is photography allowed?
patrick325
Island of Malta, Malta37 contributions
Yes and without charge
Frequently Asked Questions about St. Paul's Grotto
- St. Paul's Grotto is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
- We recommend booking St. Paul's Grotto tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 St. Paul's Grotto tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near St. Paul's Grotto:
- (0.01 mi) Casa Azzopardi Guesthouse
- (0.11 mi) Myn in Rabat
- (0.09 mi) Casa Melita
- (0.09 mi) Id-dar - 10min walk to Mdina, live in historic Rabat.
- (0.08 mi) Medina Lodge
- Restaurants near St. Paul's Grotto:
- (0.00 mi) Grotto Tavern
- (0.01 mi) Vince Bar
- (0.01 mi) Pasticceria Dulcissima
- (0.02 mi) La Piazza
- (0.04 mi) L'agape