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.
