Place details
Malta - the cradle of Christianity in Europe.
In the city of Rabat, several visits (mostly underground) are to be made:
- the catacombs
- anti-aircraft shelters
- the cave of St Paul
- the Wignacourt museum
All these sites are practically in the same place.
THE CATACOMBS OF ST PAUL
A surprising place. It's a real underground labyrinth.
It is actually a necropolis (underground cemetery).
It was here that the dead were buried. We can distinguish the niches reserved for adults and those for children.
There is a part where the Christians were buried, and a part where the burials were those of the pagans.
One can visit rooms where there are "tables" made of the stone where one imagines that the relatives shared a meal to commemorate the deceased.
Warning: as it is a real labyrinth underground, there is no telephone network or really directions.
SHELTERS
Malta was one of the most bombed territories in Europe during the Second World War.
The premises, therefore, had to seek to hide.
Here in Rabat, they dug anti-aircraft shelters next to the necropolis.
While visiting, we discover that some were taller, others tiny, some with electricity, others not - we still see traces of candles.
THE ST PAUL CAVE
The legend tells that St Paul was shipwrecked several times on his way to Rome.
One of them, he failed on the island of Malta.
He lived a time in a cave located in Rabat. And from there he laid the foundations of Christianity in Malta (one of the first countries in Europe to become Christian).
This cave is a place of pilgrimage.
St Paul is also the patron of Malta.
THE WIGNACOURT MUSEUM
Wignacourt Palace is a former residence of the Chaplains of the Knights of the Order of St John.
It owes its name to the Grand Master Wignacourt who inaugurated it at the beginning of the XVIIth century.
The palace is in the same place as the cave of St Paul and the Catacombs (same entrance).
What is interesting here is to see the room where the Knights elect their Grand Master.
Portraits and many objects belonging to former residents are on display.
USEFUL INFORMATION
Official websites:
The catacombs and the cave are managed by the site: Heritage Malta (in English)
Wignacourt Museum website :
WITH CHILDREN?
Yes.
When it's very hot outside, it's a very good idea.
