St Paul's Catacombs

An underground city of the dead

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.

Agape tables

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.

Community beyond religions

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.