Wignacourt Museum & St Paul’s Grotto
Explore ancient catacombs, WWII shelters, and religious art in Rabat, Malta. A journey through centuries of history underground.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Wignacourt Museum & St Paul’s Grotto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore ancient catacombs, WWII shelters, and religious art in Rabat, Malta. A journey through centuries of history underground.
"A powerful reminder of Malta's resilience and history, from ancient tombs to wartime shelters."
Audio Guide Recommended
Enhance your understanding of the history with an audio guide, especially in the catacombs.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring underground passages. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
WWII Air-Raid Shelters
Underground
Explore a vast network of underground tunnels that sheltered locals during wartime bombings. A powerful historical experience.
St. Paul's Catacombs
Underground
Wander through a labyrinth of ancient Roman and Byzantine tombs carved into the rock.
Wignacourt Museum Art & Relics
Museum building
Discover Christian art and religious artifacts, many relocated from Maltese churches.
St. Paul's Grotto
Underground
Visit the believed site where St. Paul the Apostle took shelter after his shipwreck.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Combine Your Tickets Wisely
Prepare for Underground Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Audio Guide Recommended
Enhance your understanding of the history with an audio guide, especially in the catacombs.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring underground passages. :athletic_shoe:
Mind Your Head!
Some passages are low, so be prepared to duck. :warning:
Combine Your Tickets
One ticket covers the museum, catacombs, grotto, and WWII shelters. :ticket:
Spent the day visiting the heritage sites in Rabat yesterday. St Pauls catacombs and the Roman villa. Great initiative by Heritage Malta and one that I recommend to others.
Tips
from all over the internet
Audio Guide Recommended
Enhance your understanding of the history with an audio guide, especially in the catacombs.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and exploring underground passages. :athletic_shoe:
Mind Your Head!
Some passages are low, so be prepared to duck. :warning:
Combine Your Tickets
One ticket covers the museum, catacombs, grotto, and WWII shelters. :ticket:
Check Church Access
See religious items here if churches are closed or have become museums. :church:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Wignacourt Museum and St. Paul's Catacombs for offering a multi-layered historical experience, from ancient burial sites to WWII shelters, all accessible with a single ticket. Some find the museum's religious art less engaging, and the underground sections can be challenging for those with mobility issues or claustrophobia.
"€6 adults/ €4.50 seniors and students 12+/ children 7-11 €3.50/ children under 7 free.
St. Paul’s catacombs are accessible through the Wignacourt or an additional catacomb down the street, as they split the area and it is a separate but connected place which monetizes it.
If you can not get into a church in Malta because the doors are closed, you can view religious items and art work which were taken from the local churches and re-homed at this museum.
The WWII shelters lead straight into the catacombs, which leads to the agape table. If you are tall, you will have to duck. If you are wide, you may not fit in certain places.
The best part of the entry is the museum and the Catholic artwork and relics but one is left with a very sad feeling that you can not come to Malta and go into a church to see the relics because the churches in Malta are either closed or have become museums and the museums have taken what was once inside the church. A real shame."
Justice Kali Di Quartuccio
"Several museums in one. €6 gives you access to the Wignacourt art and religious relics museum, the catacombs, St Paul's Grotto, and WWII bunker.
There was an audio guide available that we didn't use, and I slightly regret this, as there was little information around. For anyone with mobility issues, there are many stairs in the catacombs.
The world war 2 bunker was big, with dozens of rooms. The catacombs are a large labyrinth with agape table and other impressive features carved into the rock. The museum was ok, and a nice add on, though I have little interest in religious art.
Definitely worth visiting."
Tom Holder
"A museum with combination of several sites, St Paul Grotto, Rome era catacombs, art works and world war 2 shelters."
Timothy En Haw Chan
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Rabat, where the museum and grotto are located, from Valletta by bus. Several bus routes connect the two locations, offering a scenic journey through Malta. Check local bus schedules for the most convenient options.
Parking in Rabat can be challenging, especially during peak tourist seasons. It's advisable to use public transport or consider a taxi service if you are driving. Street parking may be available but can be limited.
Yes, Mdina and Rabat are adjacent cities, and it's a pleasant walk between them. The Wignacourt Museum is located in Rabat, a short stroll from the historic walled city of Mdina.
Rabat is best explored on foot. Once you arrive, you can easily walk to Wignacourt Museum, St. Paul's Catacombs, and other nearby attractions. Consider a guided walking tour for deeper insights.
While Rabat is walkable, local buses also serve the area, connecting different parts of the town and surrounding regions. Taxis are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
A single ticket typically covers the Wignacourt Museum, St. Paul's Catacombs, St. Paul's Grotto, and the WWII shelters. Prices are around €6 for adults, with concessions for seniors, students, and children.
Booking tickets in advance is generally not required, but it can save time, especially during busy periods. You can usually purchase tickets at the entrance.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's recommended to check the official website or contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on opening times.
Yes, discounts are typically available for seniors, students, and children. Family tickets or group rates might also be offered.
The standard ticket usually includes access to all parts of the complex. Separate entry for individual sections is generally not offered, as they are interconnected.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Explore the labyrinthine passages of the catacombs, paying attention to the ancient tombs and features like the agape table. Consider an audio guide for context.
Children might find the underground exploration, especially the WWII shelters and catacombs, exciting. The museum's religious art may be less engaging for younger visitors.
The underground areas, including the catacombs and WWII shelters, involve many stairs and narrow passages. Visitors with mobility issues or claustrophobia should be aware.
A comprehensive visit, including the museum, catacombs, grotto, and shelters, can take 2-3 hours. You can spend more or less time depending on your interest in each section.
Restroom facilities are typically available within the museum complex. It's advisable to use them before heading into the underground sections.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. Generally, photography without flash is permitted in most areas, but it's always best to check for specific signage or ask staff.
Capture the unique atmosphere of the underground WWII shelters, the ancient catacombs, and the religious artifacts in the museum. The stone carvings in the catacombs are particularly photogenic.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in historical sites and enclosed spaces like museums and catacombs due to safety and preservation concerns.
Given the low light conditions underground, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod might be helpful. However, flash photography is often discouraged to preserve the artifacts and atmosphere.
Photography of religious relics is usually allowed without flash. These items are a significant part of Malta's heritage and are often displayed for public viewing.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, be mindful of the low ceilings and narrow passages, which might require supervision. The museum's religious art may be less engaging for younger kids, so focus on the more interactive underground elements. Consider bringing snacks and water, as the exploration can be tiring.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Opting out of the audio guide can save a little extra, though it's recommended for a richer experience. Utilizing public transport to reach Rabat is also a cost-effective option compared to taxis or private car hire.
🏛️ History Buffs
Don't miss the Wignacourt Museum for its collection of religious art and artifacts, which tell their own story of Maltese cultural and religious history. The interconnectedness of these layers makes for a deeply rewarding visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Layers of History: From Ancient Tombs to WWII Shelters
Beneath the museum lies the true historical depth. You'll find St. Paul's Grotto, believed to be where St. Paul the Apostle took refuge after his shipwreck, marking the site of Malta's first Christian community. Adjacent to this is a vast labyrinth of Roman and Early Christian hypogea, commonly known as catacombs. These ancient burial grounds, carved directly into the rock, date back to Punic, Roman, and Byzantine times, offering a unique archaeological perspective.
Adding another layer to the site are the World War II air-raid shelters. These underground tunnels, carved into the stone, served as vital protection for locals during bombing raids. Exploring these shelters provides a poignant reminder of Malta's resilience and its role during the war. The interconnectedness of these historical periods within a single location makes Wignacourt Museum and St. Paul's Catacombs a uniquely compelling destination.
Navigating the Underground: Tips for Catacombs and Shelters
For those who are claustrophobic, the enclosed nature of the catacombs and shelters might be challenging. It's advisable to assess your comfort level before descending. The site is also not ideal for visitors with significant mobility issues due to the numerous stairs and the nature of the underground terrain.
To fully appreciate the historical significance of these underground areas, consider utilizing the audio guide. While there are some signs, the audio guide provides more in-depth information about the catacombs, the grotto, and the WWII shelters, enriching the overall experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit