What it is

As part of the European Archaeology Days, Heritage Malta opens St Paul's Catacombs in Rabat for a morning of guided tours on Sunday 14 June 2026. The curatorial team leads visitors through the site, alternating between English and Maltese every hour from 9am until 12pm, and the tours are open to visitors of all ages. It is an affordable, in-depth way to understand one of Malta's most significant - and most atmospheric - archaeological sites.

St Paul's Catacombs form the largest complex of underground Roman and early-Christian burial galleries on the island, a labyrinth of rock-cut tombs and chambers beneath Rabat, just outside the walled city of Mdina. The site carries the European Heritage Label, and these tours focus on exactly what earned that recognition: how Malta's underground burial traditions connect to the wider Mediterranean world while keeping a distinctive local character, and how the catacombs relate to the landscape above them. Guides walk you through the architecture, the decorative features and the artefacts on display, so you leave with a real sense of the cultural and historical context rather than just a quick look at empty tombs.

For visitors, this is a rare chance to see a major site with expert curators rather than on a self-guided wander, and the timing - a cooler morning slot underground - is a comfortable way to spend part of a June day. At EUR 10 for adults, seniors, students and children, it is also excellent value. Tickets are sold online through the Heritage Malta store and at any Heritage Malta museum or site, and because guided slots have limited capacity it is worth booking the hour you want in advance.

Practically, the catacombs are in Rabat, a short walk from Mdina, so the visit pairs naturally with exploring the silent walled city and the surrounding Rabat sights - you could easily build a full day around the two. There is parking in Rabat, and buses serve the area from Valletta and other towns, though the nearest stop is around 15 minutes on foot. The underground galleries involve steps and uneven, sometimes low passages, so comfortable shoes and a little care are needed, and parts of the site may not suit anyone with mobility difficulties.

This is an unhurried, knowledge-rich experience aimed at travellers who want to understand Malta's deep past rather than tick off a monument. Confirm the tour times, language slots and ticket availability on the Heritage Malta page before you set off, and arrive a few minutes early so the group can start on time. It is one of the most rewarding heritage mornings in the June calendar.

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