Here’s a great free day out for families and history lovers. On Sunday 11th October 2026, Heritage Malta is holding a special Open Day at St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat to celebrate a big moment: the catacombs have been awarded the European Heritage Label, the first site in Malta ever to receive it.
Key Details
- Date: Sunday 11th October 2026
- Time: 9am to 7pm
- Venue: St Paul’s Catacombs, Triq Ħal-Bajjada, Rabat
- Entry: Free, and all activities are free too
- Booking: not needed
- Organiser: Heritage Malta
What’s On
- Guided tours of the catacombs in Maltese and English.
- Children’s activities, including treasure hunts and a hands-on excavation pit where kids can dig like real archaeologists.
- A burial-themed activity exploring the traditions and practices connected with the site.
- “Ask the Curator”: a chance to meet Heritage Malta’s curators and ask them anything about the history and archaeology of the catacombs.
Places on the guided tours and children’s activities are first come, first served. You register at the main entrance of Zone 1 on the day, so arrive early if you want a specific slot.
Why St Paul’s Catacombs Are Special
Beneath the streets of Rabat lies a huge network of underground burial places used in Roman and early Christian times. Walking through the narrow rock-cut passages, past family tombs and carved burial niches, you get a real sense of how people in Roman Malta remembered their dead. It’s one of the largest and most important early Christian sites in Malta, and the European Heritage Label recognises its significance for European history and culture.
Make a Day of It
Rabat sits right next to Mdina, so it’s easy to combine the open day with a walk through the “Silent City”. Our Mdina guide has all the tips, and the Domvs Romana with its Roman mosaics is just a few minutes away.
Tips
- Wear comfortable shoes. Some passages are low, narrow and uneven.
- Bring a light layer, as it’s cooler underground.
- Arrive in the morning to secure places on tours and kids’ activities.
More details are on the official Heritage Malta event page. Discover more historic places in our heritage sites section.
Beautiful Malta is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with Heritage Malta. Event details can change, so always check with the organiser before you go.