Rabat brings together underground burial sites, Roman domestic life and the history of a Baroque residence. Another theme leads to dams, seasonal watercourses and a signposted trail. These different focuses can help you decide which aspects of the town interest you most.

Catacombs and St Paul’s Grotto

The St Paul’s Catacombs served as a burial site during Punic, Roman and Byzantine times. The area contains more than 30 hypogea; the main complex alone covers more than 2,000 m². These figures refer to different scales: the number of hypogea applies to the area, while the surface area refers to the main complex. The Catacombs were the first site in Malta to receive the European Heritage Label.

Another underground labyrinth of tombs lies in the area of St Paul’s Grotto: the Catacombs there date from the 3rd century AD. The Grotto is one of Malta’s most venerated sites. According to tradition, Paul is said to have stayed there after arriving in Malta in 60 AD. Grand Master Pinto donated a statue of Saint Paul in 1748. The underground area of the Grotto also contains Second World War bunkers with around 50 rooms.

Roman daily life and Baroque architectural history

The Domvs Romana shifts the focus from burial sites to the private life and lifestyle of an ancient Roman aristocrat. It was discovered by chance in 1881. The first purpose-built structure on the Maltese Islands to protect an archaeological site was constructed to safeguard it and its collection. The current exhibition explores various aspects of family and household life among the Roman aristocracy. Alongside the historic discovery, daily and family life are also at the centre of the exhibition.

The Wignacourt Collegiate Museum adds a perspective on architectural and collection history. The building was formerly the Baroque residence of the chaplains of the Order of St John. The first floor houses a picture gallery with works by Mattia Preti, Antoine Favray and Francesco Zahra. The building’s former purpose and the artists on display offer two different ways to explore it: through the history of the building and its art collection.

Rabat and the landscape

The relationship with Mdina is also part of the town’s history: the suburb of Rabat begins below Mdina’s bastions. In the past, Rabat encompassed almost the entire Roman city. This historical context distinguishes the town’s present-day boundaries from its former extent.

The name Chadwick Lakes comes from Sir Osbert Chadwick. In the second half of the 19th century, he planned several dams to store rainwater. This connects the area’s landscape history with the specific purpose of retaining water. In Qlejgħa Valley, a stream forms small pools or even a small waterfall where depressions occur in the terrain. Water conditions vary by season.

One specific route starts at the Għajn National Water Conservation Centre in Rabat and follows Għajn Qajjet Road about 500 metres downhill to the main entrance of the Fiddien Box Interpretation Centre. The route is signposted; check the road conditions locally before using it.

For a thematic overview, there is a clear contrast: the Catacombs and the tombs in St Paul’s Grotto represent burial history, while the Domvs Romana offers insights into the domestic life of the Roman aristocracy. The landscape themes place a different emphasis on water and terrain.

Discover more destinations: Żurrieq, Kercem, Mqabba, San Lawrenz, Pembroke, Xlendi, Victoria, Iklin

For the main travel overview: Malta.