St. Paul's Catacombs

The Catacombs of St. Paul, the largest and earliest  archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta

Rabat hosts the well-known Catacombs of St. Paul and St. Agatha. These were utilized in Roman times to lay the dead to rest, as the Romans thought it unhygienic to bury the dead in the city.

The Catacombs were used later on by early Christians, who secretly met and celebrated mass in times were Christians were persecuted.

Part of St. Paul's Catacombs that is accessible from the church of St. Paul, is where, according to tradition, St. Paul stayed during his three months stay, when he was shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD. The martyr St Agatha is said to have hidden in these catacombs during the persecution of the Christians by the Roman Emperor Decius in 249 AD.

The St Paul and St Agatha's Catacombs are especially important for their remarkable medieval frescoes, some dating from the 12th century. A characteristic feature of the catacombs in Malta is the `agape tables' hewn out of the rock. Here, mourners would hold a `wake' - probably a farewell meal - in honour of the deceased.

The St Paul and St Agatha's Catacombs, which belong to the Church, are situated in lovely surroundings, among trees and shrubs. The small museum at the entrance of The St Paul and St Agatha's Catacombs displays a varied and interesting collection ranging from coins to Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian artefacts.

Nowadays, these Catacombs are taken care of by Heritage Malta.