Heritage Malta holds a free open day at St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat on Sunday 11 October. It marks the European Heritage Label, which the catacombs received this year.
They are the first site in Malta to get the label.
What the European Heritage Label is
The label is run by the European Commission. It goes to sites that played a part in Europe’s history and that work with young people.
Thirteen sites received it in 2026. Heritage Malta announced the award on 27 February 2026.
The catacombs were used for burials in Punic, Roman and Byzantine times. They hold Jewish, pagan and Christian graves in the same cemetery. Heritage Malta says this is some of the earliest evidence in Europe of different faiths living side by side.
The open day on 11 October
All activities are free and you do not need to book. The day includes:
- guided tours in Maltese and English
- treasure hunts and an excavation pit for children
- an “Ask the Curator” session with the curators
Places on the tours and the children’s activities are given out in order of arrival. You register at the main entrance of Zone 1.
Ta’ Mintna Catacombs, Sunday 25 October
Ta’ Mintna in Mqabba is normally closed to visitors. Heritage Malta opens it on Sunday 25 October.
Two curator-led tours run, at 09:00 in English and 12:00 in Maltese. Each takes 10 people at most, and tickets cost €10 to €15.
Between 10:00 and 12:00 anyone can walk in for €2.
The site has a rock-cut table (triclinium) that was used for meals in memory of the dead.
Getting there
St Paul’s Catacombs are in Rabat, a short walk from Mdina. Buses to Rabat include routes 50, 53, 201 and 403.
Normal ticket prices for the catacombs and other sites are on the admission prices page. There is more on the old town next door on the Mdina page.
