Rabat is a village located in the West of Malta, just outside Mdina. The name of the village means a ‘suburb’ in Semitic, as it was once the suburb of Mdina, the old capital city.
In the 15th century, while the area served as a shelter from constant pirate attacks, several religious orders arrived in Rabat, remaining there ever since. When the Order of St. John arrived in Malta, Rabat earned significance for its close proximity to Mdina, St Paul’s Grotto, the Covent Schools and for the arable farmland in the village.
Rabat is a village located in the West of Malta, just outside Mdina. The name of the village means a ‘suburb’ in Semitic because it was a suburb of Mdina. During the Roman times the area of Rabat and Mdina was all together the capital city of Malta called Melita.Like nearby Mdina, Rabat played a major role in Malta’s past and is a prime source of its cultural heritage.
St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat are Roman burial grounds dating back to the 3rd century BC.
It is believed they were in use up until the 7th century AD.
They contain around 30 hypogea or tombs. Later, they were used by Christians first in secret when under persecution and later as a shrine. The catacombs are a fascinating network of tunnels and chambers that offer an insight into cultures that helped to shape Malta as we know it today.