Mdina and Rabat Underground Secrets and The Silent City Tour
- 2h 30m
- Free cancellation up to 24h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Entrance fee to Saint Paul's Grotto, WWII Shelters and Catacombs
What's not
- Transport to and from site is not included
Itinerary
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Know before you go
- 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.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 25 travellers
- Operated by
- Tours in Malta
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
How it compares in Malta, outside the cities
- Its from-price is 68% below the median of the 520 experiences we list in Malta, outside the cities.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- The operator lists free cancellation on it.
Special offers in Malta, outside the cities
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
20% offFree cancellation
10% offFree cancellation






















