Rabat

Rabat means suburb in old Arabic and this is indeed because Rabat is the town lying outside the citadel of Mdina. The two towns used to be a single one until the Arabs dug a moat across the hill and fortified its tip creating Mdina. 

Rabat had walls of its own in Roman times but this can only be seen today in parts of the street pattern.
Similar to nearby Mdina, Rabat played a major role in Malta's past and is a great source of its cultural heritage.

Rabat once formed part of the Roman city of Melita. It had a significant importance in the Roma period with many sites and archaeological relics located here.

For centuries religious orders have established themselves within the area of Rabat and they still flourish here in their spacious convents and monasteries, catering for the religious needs of parishioners in their churches.

Well established on the tourist map, Rabat is a popular destination due to its archaeological and historical sites which include The Roman Villa (Domus Romana), catacombs, St. Paul's Grotto and the fine churches and monasteries.

Recommended accommodation: Quaint Boutique Hotel Rabat