Activity Malta

Mdina and Rabat Underground Secrets and The Silent City Tour

2 h 30 min Free cancellation

Mdina and Rabat Underground Secrets and The Silent City Tour, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Experience the soul of Malta. This walking tour takes you beyond the limestone walls of Mdina, the "Silent City," and deep into the hidden subterranean world of Rabat.

From the aristocratic heights of a medieval citadel to the profound depths of early Christian catacombs and WWII shelters, you’ll witness thousands of years of history layered within a single square mile, guided by a local expert.

Tour Highlights:

The Silent City Unveiled: Wander the winding, timeless alleys of Mdina, where Baroque palaces and Norman architecture stand frozen in time.

The Underground Trail: Descend into St. Paul’s Grotto, the birthplace of Christianity in Malta, explore the labyrinthine WWII air-raid shelters and visit the Catacombs.

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At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 25 people
People per booking: 1–15
Guide: English
Operated by: Tours in Malta

Ages: Adults (8–90 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Entrance fees: Entrance fee to Saint Paul's Grotto, WWII Shelters and Catacombs

Not included

Not included: Public transportation (bus, subway, cable car, etc.): Transport to and from site is not included

Itinerary

Stop 1

Passing by

Witness the footprint of the Roman Empire as we pass the Domvs Romana, where you can view the open-air excavation of a cluster of ancient aristocratic homes. This impressive site offers a rare glimpse into the opulent domestic life and architectural grandeur of Melite nearly 2,000 years ago.
Rabat

30 min

Stroll through the narrow, winding streets of Rabat to experience the charm of authentic village life and the daily pulse of its traditional squares. Discover the town’s ancient origins as you pass by historic vernacular houses, hidden shrines, and the legendary landmarks that mark its Roman and early Christian roots.
St. Paul's Grotto

20 min Admission included

At the heart of Rabat, we visit the sacred St. Paul’s Grotto, the venerable cave where tradition holds that the Apostle Paul sought refuge and preached after his shipwreck in 60 AD. It is a site of immense spiritual significance, serving as the foundational site of Christianity in Malta. This site was visited by three Popes.
Wignacourt Museum

15 min Admission included

Descend into the depths of the Wignacourt Museum to explore an extensive network of WWII air-raid shelters. These hand-cut limestone tunnels offer a poignant look at the resilience of the Maltese people, providing the chilling atmosphere of life underground during the height of the Mediterranean's most intense aerial bombardments.
Wignacourt Museum

20 min Admission included

Within the same complex, we venture into the Catacombs, a subterranean labyrinth of rock-cut tombs used for burials during the Roman and Byzantine periods. These passages provide a fascinating insight into early Christian burial traditions and the complex funerary customs of Malta’s ancient inhabitants.
Mdina

one hour

As we cross the stone bridge into Mdina, the atmosphere shifts instantly from the bustling life of Rabat to aristocratic grandeur of the "Silent City." We will walk through its narrow, shadowy "noble streets," passing by grand palazzos and hidden courtyards that have housed Malta’s elite for centuries.

Your journey through this medieval citadel culminates at the bastions, where you’ll be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of the island, stretching all the way to the Mediterranean coast.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

The meeting point is about 150 metres away from the entrance to the city of Mdina. On Google Maps search for "Domvs Romana". Your guide will be waiting for you, holding a blue umbrella.