What To Do in Rabat Malta: Your Ultimate Guide for 2025

Thinking About Visiting Rabat? Here Is A List Of The Notable Sights To See

You may not think that there would be a lot to do in a small town of just over 12,000 people on a little island in the middle of the Mediterranean.  But then you probably haven’t visited Rabat, Malta.  

This tiny town is a treasure trove of ancient and modern history and a cultural delight that has a significant religious backdrop.  After spending some time there, in this blog, we share what we think are the most significant sites to help you plan what to do in Rabat Malta.

Highlights of Rabat Malta

Is There A Lot To See In Rabat?

Located next to the city of Mdina, which was once the capital of Malta, Rabat is steeped in history that includes a blend of Arabic and Western culture with deep religious roots.  The name of the village itself means “suburb” in Semitic and describes its relationship to the ancient Roman city of Melite (now Mdina).

Yes, there is quite a lot to see here. This small town provides a mix of the new and old as well as offering a host of sites to visit.  

✅ The best way to receive an orientation of Rabat is through a guided tour. With Medina being right beside Rabat we took a walking tour of both. If you are looking for an excellent guide and a small group tour be sure to book this Mdina and Rabat Tour that we did. It was an excellent experience!

The town also contributes to Malta’s economy through its tourism and agriculture.  It has also been frequently used as a film location for movies such as Munich and Black Eagle as well as Season One of the popular HBO series Game of Thrones.  

Here is a list of things to do in Rabat.

Wignacourt Museum

A good place to start for some background on Rabat is the Wignacourt Collegiate Museum located just next to St. Paul’s Church. The building once served as the 17th century residence of the Chaplains of the Knights of St. John.  It is named after Grand Master Alof de Wignacourt who served in that role from 1601 to 1622.  

The museum has recently reopened after undergoing an extensive renovation which included the restoration of many of the works of art that are on display. 

The Museum forms part of the Pauline complex that includes St Paul’s Grotto, the cradle of Christianity in Malta, which it is physically linked to (more about the Grotto later).  The building has three levels and each one is totally unique from the others.

The original cistern for the city, which was used by the Knights of St John, was used during World War II as bomb shelters and consists of two main corridors with nearly fifty rooms.

The rooms were all dug out by hand from the limestone to create safe places for people to live during the non stop bombing.

We spent quite a bit of time exploring this incredible space. Underground tunnels and shelters are common in Malta as we had already explored the Underground Valletta and bomb shelters at Casa Rocco Piccola.

The ground floor has a long hallway that leads to several rooms used as offices and various art collections on one side.  

On the other side, there is a garden where the dining room of the Chaplains of the Order used to be.  During World War II an oven was here where more than 2000 loaves of bread were baked each day for the people of Rabat.

The main exhibition space is located on the first floor (second floor if you are from North America!).  Here you will find an impressive art gallery with works by Mattia Preti, Antoine Favray, and Francesco Zahra as well as European Artists. 

There is also a collection of Spanish, Italian and Maltese silver from the 17th to 19th centuries as well as a variety of religious relics and a wooden altar used for the celebration of Mass by the Order of the Knights of Malta. And interestingly there is a room that displays items used for funerals.

The museum gives you a good overview of the history of Rabat from Roman to Modern times.

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St Paul’s Church & Grotto

One of the most famous and important religious sites in Malta is St. Paul’s Church and the Grotto that is set underneath it.  

The Book of Acts in the Christian Bible details the shipwreck in Malta of the Apostle Paul who was on his way from Crete to Rome to be tried by Caesar.  Paul and his fellow prisoners and their guards were washed up on the shores of Malta after a terrible storm. They were taken in by the local people who treated them with kindness and hospitality.  

The lowest level is underground and can be viewed consists of a labyrinth of tombs and temples from Punic, Roman and early Christian periods.

Paul stayed for three months in Malta, living in a grotto in what is now Rabat.  During his stay, he preached Christianity to the Maltese people and is said to have healed the father of Publius, who was the Roman Prefect of Malta at the time.  

As a result, what is now St. Paul’s Grotto, became the site of the earliest places of Christian worship on the island and in the Mediterranean. You can visit the grotto (although it does have a barrier at the front) and see this important religious site.

The Grotto is such an important religious site that both Pope Benedict and Pope John Paul visited here at different times to pray at the birthplace of Christianity in Malta.

The beautiful church that is dedicated to St. Paul was built on top of the Grotto in the 17th century. There is a reference to an earlier church which existed here in the 14th century, and the current church actually replaced one that was built in the mid-16th century.  St. Paul’s was declared a Minor Basilica in 2020.

The church has an imposing facade that overlooks the square in front of it.  The facade joins another smaller church, St. Publius, to St. Paul’s (more about that one later).  The effect makes it look like one enormous church when standing in the square. When you stand in front it is impossible to know they are separate.

The coat of arms that sits above the centre door of the facade is for the current bishop. Each time a new bishop is appointed, the coat of arms is changed.  

The interior of the church features a magnificent painting behind the altar that portrays the shipwreck of St. Paul in Malta.  The ceiling features a wonderfully painted dome bordered by more paintings along the top of the walls and above the elaborate columns.  

We were impressed by this church and how ornate it is. Definitely make this a stop when you visit Rabat.

Sanctuary of St Publius

Next to St. Paul’s is the Sanctuary of St. Publius which is dedicated to the Roman Prefect, Publius, whose father is said to have been healed by St. Paul.  The Sanctuary dates to 1617 when it was added to the Church of St. Paul by the knights of the Order of St. John.

As we mentioned earlier, the two churches are joined by a large facade which makes it appear as a single large church.  It is believed that the architect who designed the facade wanted to create a conciliatory gesture between the rivalling Church and Order of Saint John by using the facade to unite the two churches.

The rivalry between the Church and the Order of St. John occurred because the Grand Master of the Order was considered a prince of the Pope.  This resulted in jealousy and a power struggle between the Grand Master and the Bishop.

While the two churches look similar on the outside, their interiors are distinctly different.  The ceiling of St. Publius is less elaborately decorated than St Paul’s.  The sanctuary also prominently features the 8-pointed cross of the Order throughout the interior. 

The featured painting in St. Publius is of the Virgin Mary and Baby Jesus by the renowned Italian artist, Mattia Preti.  In the painting, Jesus Is holding the 8-pointed cross of the Order.   There are several other richly painted canvases throughout the Sanctuary portraying Publius and other saints.

St Pauls Catacombs

One of the things that Rabat is most famous for is its catacombs. There are 23 entrances throughout the city where they can be accessed.  When Malta was occupied by the Romans, the ancient capital of Melite (Mdina) extended to where Rabat is today.  

It was illegal to bury the dead inside the city, so Roman catacombs were located outside the city walls.

St. Paul’s Catacombs are considered the earliest evidence of Christianity in Malta. They were named for the saint because it was believed that this set of catacombs was once physically connected to St. Paul’s Grotto.  While this is not the case, there is evidence that both were once part of a much larger cemetery. 

The site starts with helpful displays outlining the burial process and its significance during that time. People were either buried in a wooden coffin, in a linen shroud or cremated. Most times people were also buried with many household items including lamps, plates and jugs.

The cluster of underground passages and tombs that make up St. Paul’s Catacombs covers an area of 10,000 square metres, has 59 underground chambers housing 1025 tombs and the capacity for 1500 burials. While the whole area is not open to the public, 20 catacombs are accessible in this cluster.  

The site is well-marked and points out some of the catacombs that are considered a must-see. This is helpful if you only have a limited time otherwise you could spend a full day here.

We made sure to visit the largest catacomb which covers more than 2000 square metres and was thought to have more than 420 burials.

It is quite amazing to see the carved tombs along the labyrinth of tunnels. It is thought that these catacombs were in use right up to the 8th Century AD.  Many of the tombs look like large rooms with “slots” carved for individual bodies.  

Smaller carved openings that look like shelves can be seen along the tops of the tunnel walls.  These were meant to hold the bodies of children. 

Near the entrance to the tunnels is a low-set circular table hewn out of the rock called the Agape Table.  This was used as a gathering area for holding the farewell meal in honour of the deceased and for commemorative meals at annual ceremonies.

You could spend many hours here exploring the different catacombs and is for sure a must-see while in Rabat.

St Agatha’s Catacombs

Another popular cluster of catacombs is St. Agatha’s.  St. Agatha lived in Malta for a few years after she fled Sicily during the Persecution of Christians by the Romans in the mid-3rd Century.  A church in her name was built in the early 16th century.  

A crypt was created underneath the church from a cave that had been used as an underground cemetery.  The catacombs under the church consist of temples, tombs and graves of different types. A museum beside the church describes the history and use of the catacombs over time.  

What is special about St. Agatha’s?  The well-preserved frescoes that exist in some of the underground galleries.

Unfortunately, the day we visited the St Agatha’s catacombs were not open. Our guide explained that the caretaker is not always available so it is not always accessible.

But it is still worth visiting the area since there is a beautiful garden in the courtyard. It is a very peaceful and serene spot to visit.

St Cataldus Church & Catacombs

Cataldus was an obscure saint who was born and canonized in Ireland in the 17th Century.  He decided to leave Ireland on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and on his return was shipwrecked off the coast of Italy near the town of Taranto.  

The church in Rabat that is named for Cataldus is one of the few tributes to the saint outside of Italy.  The tiny church sits above the catacombs and while they are much smaller than St. Paul’s and St. Agatha’s, they do have one of the best examples of an agape table in Malta.  

This set of catacombs is known for the distinct Baldachin-style tombs which use the concept of a freestanding canopy over the pillars of the tomb.  One of the Baldachin tombs has an arch with pictures of doves on each corner. We didn’t have time to see all the catacombs in Rabat but would visit this one on a return visit.

Domvs Romana Museum

The Domus Romana Museum is built on the ruins of a former Roman house which was discovered by accident in 1881 when workers were planting trees for the nearby Howard Gardens.  

The museum not only houses most of the remaining Roman artifacts that were discovered in Rabat and neighbouring Mdina but also serves to protect the excavated ruins of the house itself.

The Domus (townhouse) is distinguished from a Roman Villa (country estate) since the former is contained within the city and the latter is found outside the city walls.  The original house dates back to the middle of the 1st century BC and is believed to have been in use up to the end of the 1st century AD.  The remains of the home indicate that it belonged to a rich and powerful Roman family.  

There are a number of displays as you enter the museum that explain the significance of the site.

But the predominant feature of the Domus Romana is the elaborate mosaic floors that are among the oldest and best preserved in the Mediterranean, rivalling those found in Pompei. A raised platform that surrounds the perimeter of the floors allows you to walk above them and admire their intricate designs.

It is fascinating to see these incredible floors that are almost 2000 years old. Thankfully they were preserved and a museum was built around them to share with visitors.

Portions of the original columns that supported the house are still extant and are seen along the perimeter of the floors.  When you walk outside the protected area that covers the main part of the Domus, you can observe the ruins of the outbuildings, garden and sections of the street.

Just a short distance away you can see the fortified walls of the ancient Roman city of Mdina which was once the capital city of Malta.

Howard Gardens

Nestled nicely between ancient Mdina and Rabat are the serene Howard Gardens which provide a quiet place to relax and offer some of the best views of the Mdina bastion and the ancient city. 

Howard Gardens are named after the first Prime Minister of Malta, Joseph Howard and they were inaugurated in 1942.  

The Gardens contain an orchard of orange trees, a football ground, a tennis court, trees and shrubs.  Pathways stretch along the gardens where you can take a stroll, or sit on one of the many benches for a quick break.  

We walked through these gardens several times and found them to be a lovely haven from the stone roads and buildings all around.

Serkin Crystal Palace Bar

If you spend any time on the Island of Malta then be sure to try the traditional Maltese pastry called pastizzi.  Pastizzi are a savoury pastry filled with either ricotta or pea curry, but some variations can include spinach, chicken or Nutella.  

And ask anyone in Malta where to find the best pastizzi, and the answer will invariably be Serkin Crystal Palace Bar in Rabat!  We know because everywhere we went people told us to try the pastizzi at the Crystal Palace.  So we did!

The Serkin Crystal Palace Bar is a tiny understated restaurant that has a handful of outside tables set along the sidewalk covered by a patio tent.  The only interior seating is at a couple of wooden tables pushed against the walls on either side of the room as you enter the bar.  

A counter at the back of the restaurant is where you order and pay for your food. Beside the counter is a single multilayered oven that is filled to the brim with steaming hot pastries for the anxiously waiting patrons.  And while you wait, you can squeeze into the tiny alcove beside the oven and grab yourself a beverage out of the standup cooler – water, soda or a cold beer.

While there are a variety of pastries available at the Crystal Palace, the majority of what is sold are pastizzis or qassatats.  Qassatats are similar to a pastizzi with the same fillings, but instead of being diamond or crescent-shaped, they are bowl-shaped and open at the top.

All of the outside tables were full so we ordered our ricotta pastizzi along with our drinks and took them across the street to enjoy on a park bench in the square.  

We ate pastizzi several times during our week-long stay in Malta, and these were by far the very best!  Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Crystal Palace and try them for yourself.

✅ Want to explore Rabat with a tour and also try some great Maltese food? Check out this 5-star, small group tour that gives you the best of both worlds.

Casa Bernard

Casa Bernard is a privately owned 16th Century Palazzo which has been restored to its original splendour by its owners and made available for viewing to the public. While it is not a museum, it does house artifacts dating from Roman to Medieval times and up to the period of the Knights of the Order of St. John.  

Like many of the houses along the streets of Malta, the exterior of Casa Bernard is simple and unassuming.  But step into its interior and you are taken on a historical journey of Maltese architecture and design.

The house is named after Dr. Salvatore Bernard from France, who started living at the Palazzo in 1723 and was the personal physician of the Grand Master of Malta.  The house remained occupied by the Bernards until the end of the 20th century.

The house was purchased by Georges and Josette Magri in 1993 who have painstakingly restored it to its original glory.  They offer guided tours of the Casa Bernard which they personally host and which are available in English, Maltese, French and Italian.

Unfortunately for us, Casa Bernard was closed the day we were in Rabat, but we did get an opportunity to visit a similar palace in Valletta – Casa Rocco Piccola.

Wander The Streets Of Rabat

Make sure to wander off the main streets and see the lovely properties of the locals. We saw many homeowners sweeping the areas in front of their homes and watering beautiful flowers and plants. It is evident how people take pride in their homes. You can also see many inspirational and religious icons around the entrances of the homes.

Foundling Wheel

Be sure to look up the Palazzo Santo Sofia from 1233. It was originally a hospital but now houses the city archives. Here you can see where the Foundling Wheel also called Ruota, was originally located. Our guide explained to us that this location was used as a place where women would place their unwanted babies.

After placing the child on a wooden platform, it would be turned slowly and the revolving cylinder would bring the baby inside the hospital to be cared for.

Feast Decorations

When we were in Rabat it was leading up to the Feast of St Joseph. This meant there were beautiful decorations in the streets, festive parties and some special foods that are only available around this special time.

FAQs

Is Rabat Worth Visiting?

We found there to be some very significant sights in Rabat and would say it is worth visiting if you are interested in Roman archeological history and early Christian culture. It is also easy to combine with a visit to Mdina.

Can You Walk Between Mdina And Rabat?

Definitely! They are connected by the Howard Gardens.

Where To Stay In Rabat

A 5-star property in Rabat is The Heritage Boutique Accommodation. Located in a recently renovated 400 year old Maltese house, this boutique hotel provides an intimate stay with only 8 rooms. Guests comment that the service is incredible, rooms are clean and nicely decorated and the central location is perfect.

100 Boutique Living is also located in the heart of Rabat. This bed and breakfast is family run and guests note the wonderful service, clean and welcoming environment, outstanding breakfast and a pool!

Places To Eat In Rabat Malta

We had a wonderful meal at Bottegin Palazzo Xara. This restaurant is located in a 300 year old Palazzo that was originally the location of a band club. The baroque building is beautiful to see. The staff is very welcoming and the environment is quite laid back for a Palace!

On the advice of our guide, we enjoyed the traditional dish of Bragjoli. This is a beef roll stuffed with mince and bacon and cooked in a tomato sauce. It was served with mashed potatoes and veg. Amazing!

Another recommendation was the Il Bitha Ta Doni. This full service restaurant offers traditional Maltese dishes. Located in the courtyard of a chapel, guests note that it has a wonderful atmosphere, excellent service and a good selection of food options. This would be on our list the next time we are in Rabat.

If you are looking for some sweet treats be sure to stop at the Parruccan bakery shop right across from St Paul’s Church. Here they have numerous Maltese specialties. We actually stopped here more than once int he same day!

The main item we wanted to try is the quarazemal – a pastry made especially for Lent. It is sweetened with honey and includes almonds and orange blossom. It was very tasty. And another favourite was the Nutella cases! So good!

The Final Word…What To Do In Rabat Malta

If you are looking for a day trip while visiting Malta, we think Rabat would be a great option.  There are plenty of things to do in Rabat, especially if you are interested in art, architecture and history.  

Rabat is home to some of the best examples of Punic, Roman and Christian catacombs in the Mediterranean.  It has several medieval churches and is the birthplace of Christianity in Malta.

The streets in the old part of Rabat are quaint and picturesque boasting some interesting local shops and restaurants.  And if you are looking for the best traditional Maltese pastizzis, Rabat has that too!

That’s why we think Rabat should be on your bucket list when you visit Malta.