Roman VillaBack in the time of the Romans, Rabat and Mdina together formed the capital of Malta, then known as Melita. With the arrival of the Arabs, Mdina was walled off and Rabat would fall into a somewhat more ignominious role. The Arabs called the outskirts of Mdina, Rabat or suburb.

Rabat has retained it medieval town plan of winding streets and narrow alleys. Many of the sights to see in Rabat are connected to Malta’s catholic history. San Pawl Street will bring you to the centre of Rabat and St Paul’s Church. The church was built on top of St Paul’s Grotto where St Paul is thought to have lived during the 1st century. By 1372 a church had been built upon the site. Inside there are some fine paintings by noteworthy Matlese artists and a flight of stairs will take you down into the grotto. The church was built with funds granted by Grand master Alof de Wignacourt and the Baroque church became a place of pilgrimage in the medieval era. Just across the road is the Wignacourt College Museum which was built as a hostel for the pilgrims by the same grandmaster. Inside the wide corridors and internal chapels are adorned with historical artefacts. More interesting is the collection of model churches and an extensive World War II air raid shelter.

Most visitors come to Rabat to see the catacombs. Underground crypts cut out of the limestone, the catacombs are hewn into the underground tunnel ways. St Paul’s catacombs are free to see. St Agatha’s on the other hand has retained some rare medieval religious painitings. Adjacent to the catacombs is a small museum with a range of historical artefacts.

Just outside Mdina’s side gate on the outskirts of Rabat is the Roman Villa Museum which was built over the excavated remains of an Roman Villa. On display here you will see ancient artefacts and some interesting floor mosaics.