Discover the Remains of the Roman Empire in Malta

A Glimpse into Malta’s Roman Past

Malta’s rich history under Roman rule began during the Second Punic War. A key event from this period, as mentioned in the Bible’s Acts of the Apostles, is the shipwreck of St. Paul in 60 AD. According to tradition, St. Paul sought refuge in the Catacombs of St. Paul and spent time in Mdina before returning to Rome. This marked the early spread of Christianity in Malta. Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the Byzantines controlled Malta for nearly four centuries until the Arabs took over in the late 9th century.

During Roman rule, Malta flourished, with two main urban centers: Melite (modern-day Mdina and Rabat) on the main island, and Gaulos (modern Rabat and its citadel, Castello) on Gozo. These cities were the political and administrative hubs, featuring public, civil, and religious buildings. Outside these towns, Roman villas were scattered across the islands, with over 25 identified sites. These villas, primarily residential, were key to the agricultural production of olive oil.

Exploring Roman Catacombs

Malta is home to hundreds of Roman catacombs, mainly located in Mdina, the island’s ancient capital. The St. Agatha and St. Paul Catacombs in Rabat are extensive complexes of labyrinthine burial sites dating from the 3rd century BC to the 7th century AD. Situated outside Mdina due to Roman laws forbidding burials within the city, these catacombs were first used by Christians in secret and later became shrines. Some tombs feature elaborate reliefs and frescoes, and St. Agatha’s Catacombs even include Agape tables where meals were held in honor of the deceased. The catacombs are named after St. Agatha, who, according to legend, sought refuge there in 249 AD.

Roman Sites Open to Visitors

Many of Malta’s Roman archaeological sites are on private property and not accessible to the public. However, three significant sites in Rabat and Mdina are officially open to visitors:

Domus Romana: A luxurious Roman villa discovered in 1881, located just outside Mdina. Built in the 1st century BC, it served as an aristocratic townhouse in the Roman city of Melite. Noteworthy features include its peristyle with Doric columns and mosaics.

St. Paul’s Catacombs: Extensive burial grounds used by early Christians, featuring intricate tomb designs.

St. Agatha’s Catacombs: Another complex of underground burial sites with notable religious significance.

Roman Baths

Two noteworthy Roman bath sites exist in Malta. The Roman Baths of Għajn Tuffieħa, near Manikata, discovered in the 1930s, feature a complete bathhouse with hot, warm, and cold baths, adorned with geometric mosaics from the early 2nd century AD. These baths are only accessible with special permission from Heritage Malta. In Sliema, near Fond Għadir beach, the so-called “Roman Baths” are carved into the rocky coastline. Although there is controversy regarding their origin, some claim they date back to the Roman period.

Roman Salt Pans

The Roman Salt Pans in Malta offer a unique glimpse into ancient industrial practices. These salt pans, primarily located on the northwest coast, were used by Romans to harvest salt from the sea and produce garum fish sauce in rock- cut pits. This method dates back to the Phoenician era and continued through Roman times. The landscape, marked by rock-hewn salt pans, offers spectacular views of the coast. While many of these sites are not accessible to the public, several in the Marsaxlokk and Marsaskala areas can be visited.

Our Recommendations

If you plan to visit the Domus Romana, we highly recommend including a visit to the nearby St. Agatha and/or St. Paul Catacombs, as well as St. Paul’s Grotto in Rabat. Make sure to stop by Serkin Crystal Palace (Triq San Pawl, Ir-Rabat) to taste the famous Maltese pastizzi. For a more relaxed experience, reserve your walking tour of Mdina for the late afternoon to enjoy the quieter atmosphere and then cap off your day with a romantic dinner.

Getting There from Senglea (around 15 km by car):
By Bus: Take Bus 52, which departs every hour from stop 52, Senglea, “Redentur” (opposite the hotel). The ride takes approximately 30 minutes. Get off at Rabat 3.

Dining in Rabat/Mdina

For a memorable dining experience, consider these highly recommended restaurants:

Grotto Tavern: Located in the historic center of Rabat, this restaurant offers modern cuisine in a unique setting, including a grotto excavated from limestone for private dining (advance booking required). (9/10/12 St Paul’s Square, Rabat, +356 2145 3258)

The Medina: Hidden in the narrow streets of Mdina, this 500-year-old restaurant offers Mediterranean cuisine in a charming setting beneath a vaulted stone ceiling or in an internal courtyard. (7 Holy Cross Street, Mdina, +356 2145 0587)