St. Paul's Catacombs

St. Paul's Catacombs consist of a labyrinth of narrow passages flanked by numerous tombs of various types. This group is the largest in the Maltese islands.

The entrance to the Catacombs is by a flight of steps cut in the rock. A number of loculus tombs are cut into either side of the wall. The chamber at the foot of the stairs was a chapel where funeral services were held.

The main room of the complex is next to the chapel, but at a higher level. Of special interest here are the twin Agape Tables which served for the wake, or funeral feast, after the burial

Passages from this hall lead to a maze of galleries lined with canopied, loculus and other types of tombs.

The tombs had been plundered many years ago; the stone covers are missing from the bare pits.

In the precincts of the St. Paul's complex there are a number of underground burial chambers.

ST. PAUL'S GROTTO, a sizable cave excavated in the rock, is a detached part of the St. Paul's Catacomb complex. It lies beneath the Chapel of St. Publius, which adjoins the parish church of St. Paul.

According to tradition, St. Paul lived here in captivity during the three months he spent in Malta after his shipwreck in AD 60. A marble statue of the Apostle, donated by Grand Master Pinto, stands in the centre of the Grotto which is, today, a shrine of religious devotion.

The Grotto is looked after by the canons of St. Paul's Collegiate Church.

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St. Paul's Catacombs

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