St Agatha's Catacombs
Explore ancient underground burial chambers and a surprising museum, offering a deep dive into Malta's early Christian history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
St Agatha's Catacombs
Best Time
Fewer tour groups
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient underground burial chambers and a surprising museum, offering a deep dive into Malta's early Christian history.
"Honestly rivals anything you see in Egypt. Definitely a highlight of Malta you don’t want to miss."
📸 No Photos Inside!
Photography is forbidden in the catacombs. Soak in the history with your own eyes!
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Entry is by donation to the monastery. A small fee ensures preservation.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ancient Catacombs
Underground chambers
Explore ancient burial sites with remarkably preserved frescoes, offering a glimpse into early Christian history.
Passionate Guided Tours
Catacombs entrance
Engage with knowledgeable guides who share captivating stories and historical insights, making the visit truly memorable.
Surprising Museum Collection
Adjacent museum
Discover a diverse collection of artifacts, including a stunning crystal display and the original statue from the catacombs.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Personal Experience
Photography Restrictions & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 No Photos Inside!
Photography is forbidden in the catacombs. Soak in the history with your own eyes!
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Entry is by donation to the monastery. A small fee ensures preservation.
🚶♀️ Watch Your Step
The underground passages can be uneven. Walk carefully to avoid slips.
🧐 Ask Your Guide Anything
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer all your questions.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 No Photos Inside!
Photography is forbidden in the catacombs. Soak in the history with your own eyes!
💰 Donation-Based Entry
Entry is by donation to the monastery. A small fee ensures preservation.
🚶♀️ Watch Your Step
The underground passages can be uneven. Walk carefully to avoid slips.
🧐 Ask Your Guide Anything
Guides are incredibly knowledgeable and happy to answer all your questions.
💎 Museum Treasures
Don't miss the museum's impressive crystal collection and artifacts.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise St Agatha's Catacombs as a highlight of their Malta trip, often noting the passionate and knowledgeable guides who bring the history to life. The adjacent museum, with its surprising collection including crystals, is also a significant draw. While photography is prohibited in the catacombs, the overall experience is highly recommended for its historical depth and personal touch.
"A curious place to see. It’s a shame you can’t take photos inside the catacombs so it’s hard to tell from google reviews, but we highly recommend paying a visit to this location.
The guide is a charismatic gentleman that knows everything about the place and is keen answering any questions. We had a little group of four people including us, so it was a really nice experience especially after crowded Mdina.
The entrance to the catacombs is in the middle of the court and you get tickets and information further to the left where there is also the entrance to the museum. On the door you can see a note when the tours happen and if there’re any changes.
We also liked the museum much more than the Cathedral one, it felt personal and passionate. For the price it’s a must-see!"
Yana K
"So far the highlight of the trip. I can’t believe more people don’t go. No pictures allowed in the catacombs. Taken down by the guide to show the catacombs, underground church, paintings still on wall. Honestly rivals anything you see in Egypt. Also, has museum with it with lots of stuff which is where pictures are from including a massive crystal collection. The original statue from underground catacombs is in museum. Definitely a highlight of Malta you don’t want to miss. It is only $5 and opens at 1pm. It is across street from St Paul’s Catacombs."
Luke Loran
"Wow absolutely a must !!!!
Regularly tours 5 euro
Just wait till he comes if door is closed
Tourguide is very knowledgeable"
Aurena Agathe Fohler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
St Agatha's Catacombs are located in Rabat, Malta. You can reach them by public bus, with several routes stopping nearby. If driving, there is parking available. It's also a pleasant walk from Mdina, making it a great addition to a day exploring the area.
Yes, St Agatha's Catacombs are situated across the street from St. Paul's Catacombs and are a short walk from the historic city of Mdina. This makes it convenient to combine visits.
Rabat is very walkable, especially the historical center. For longer distances, local buses are efficient and affordable. Taxis are also available if you prefer a more direct route.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to St Agatha's Catacombs is typically by donation to the monastery, with regular tours costing around 5 Euros. It's a small price for a significant historical experience. +1
Advance booking is generally not required. Tours run regularly, and you can usually join the next available one. If the door is closed, just wait for the guide to arrive.
The catacombs typically open around 1 PM. It's advisable to check for any specific opening hours or tour schedules on the day of your visit, as they can sometimes change.
The catacombs are underground and involve walking on uneven surfaces. If you are claustrophobic or have mobility issues, it's worth considering if this is the right place for you.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the catacombs themselves. This is to preserve the ancient frescoes and the atmosphere of the site.
Tours are led by charismatic and knowledgeable guides who take you through the underground church, burial chambers, and explain the history and significance of the site.
The museum houses a variety of artifacts, including the original statue from the catacombs, historical items, and a notable collection of crystals. Photos are allowed in the museum.
Children can find the catacombs fascinating, especially with an engaging guide. However, the underground nature and historical context might be more appreciated by older children.
A visit, including the guided tour and exploring the museum, typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. It's a concise yet impactful experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Rabat offers several charming cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy local Maltese cuisine after your visit. Many are located around the main squares.
No, food and drinks are not permitted inside the catacombs or the museum to help preserve the historical artifacts and environment.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is prohibited inside the catacombs. However, you are welcome to take photos within the museum area, which features many interesting exhibits. 
The most photogenic aspects are outside the complex and within the museum. The museum's crystal collection and historical displays offer great visual content.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider the age and temperament of your children. While the historical significance is immense, the dark, enclosed spaces might not be suitable for very young or easily spooked children. The donation-based entry makes it an affordable option for families looking to add a unique historical site to their Malta itinerary.
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeology Enthusiasts
The adjacent museum complements the catacombs experience by displaying artifacts that provide further context. The collection, especially the crystal display and original statues, adds another layer to understanding the site's past. Many reviewers consider this experience to be a highlight of their trip to Malta, often comparing it favorably to more renowned historical sites.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Couples
After exploring the catacombs and museum, the charming streets of Rabat offer a pleasant environment for a leisurely stroll or a meal at a local eatery, making it an ideal half-day excursion. The donation-based entry also makes it a budget-friendly option for those traveling independently.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Significance of St Agatha's Catacombs
The site also includes an underground church, which served as a place of worship and communal gathering. The discovery and excavation of these catacombs have been crucial for understanding Malta's early Christian heritage. The adjacent museum further enriches the visitor experience by showcasing artifacts unearthed from the site, including pottery, tools, and the original statue from the catacombs, allowing for a more comprehensive appreciation of the historical context.
Unlike some larger, more commercialized sites, St Agatha's Catacombs offer a more personal and intimate encounter with history. The guided tours, often led by passionate locals, bring the stories of the past to life, making it a highly recommended stop for history enthusiasts and curious travelers alike. The experience is often described as rivaling more famous ancient sites, offering a unique perspective on Malta's deep historical roots.
Navigating the Catacombs and Museum
+1The museum houses a diverse collection, including a remarkable display of crystals, which many visitors find surprisingly impressive. You'll also find the original statue that was once part of the catacombs, along with other historical items that shed light on the lives of those who used this burial site. The guides are a key part of the experience, providing detailed explanations and answering questions, making the visit both educational and engaging.
Tour times are posted, and it's best to check these upon arrival. The experience is often described as personal and passionate, especially when compared to more crowded tourist spots. The relatively small group sizes during tours enhance the immersive quality of the visit, allowing for a deeper connection with the history of the place.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit