2.5-Hour Guided Tour of Mdina and Rabat

Journey Through Time Like a Local

Kickstart your experience in the ancient walled city of Mdina, once the thriving capital of Malta during the medieval era. As you weave through narrow, winding streets, your local English-speaking guide will introduce you to the city’s medieval and Baroque architecture. Your main stop, Bastion Square is a beautiful vantage point with quaint stone-paved alleys. Just 250 meters away lies St. Paul's Cathedral, a stunning limestone masterpiece with an octagonal dome.

Want to know a fact that's as mysterious as it is intriguing? Due to the capital being shifted to Vittoriosa, Mdina became a ghost town for a while, earning it the moniker of 'Silent City'.

Unearthing Hidden Gems in Rabat

Next, the tour takes you to the historic town of Rabat. Here, you'll dive deep into the St. Paul’s Catacombs, an intricate network of underground tombs dating back to the 4th century AD. Continue to the Roman Villa, where you'll uncover an opulent Roman household frozen in time, complete with vibrant mosaics and archaeological relics dating back to the 1st century BC. As the day concludes, your guide will divulge the best spot to enjoy 'pastizzi', a delicious Maltese snack, adding a culinary delight to this historical immersion.

Itinerary

• Mdina

• St. Paul’s Cathedral

• Bastion Square

• Rabat

• St. Paul’s Catacombs

• Roman Villa

2.5-Hour Guided Tour of Mdina and Rabat

Discover the historic Maltese areas of Mdina and Rabat on this 2.5-hour guided tour that includes a visit to Domvs Romana, St Paul’s Catacombs, St. Paul's Cathedral, and Bastion Square. Explore these landmarks with an English-speaking local guide who will lead you through the Silent City of Mdina, dating back over 4000 years, and the ancient Roman Villa in Rabat. The tour covers approximately two miles at a leisurely pace, ensuring that all audio languages including English are available for your convenience. Guests can expect to spend around 15 minutes at each major site, with access provided throughout the entire duration of the tour.

Explore Domvs Romana

Your tour stops at Domvs Romana where guests can admire a 1st-century Roman villa, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Malta. Built around 60 AD and covering an area of about 25,000 square feet, this luxurious residence features intricate mosaics, frescoes depicting scenes from daily life, and a central courtyard with a peristyle colonnade. Visitors will spend approximately half an hour here, exploring the rich history that dates back to the Roman era when Malta was under imperial rule. The villa is unique compared to other ancient sites as it provides insight into the lifestyle of wealthy Romans in this region during its prime. It matters greatly to the tour because it offers a tangible connection to Malta's early history and cultural heritage.

Discover St Paul’s Catacombs

At St Paul’s Catacombs, guests can delve into an expansive underground network of tombs dating back to the 4th century AD. These catacombs extend over 10 acres and are part of a larger necropolis that served as a burial ground for early Christians in Rabat. Visitors will spend around 30 minutes exploring this labyrinthine system, which includes various chambers adorned with frescoes depicting biblical scenes and symbols of faith. Notably, these catacombs played a crucial role during the persecutions under Emperor Diocletian (284-305 AD) when early Christians sought refuge here to practice their religion in secret. The site is unique as it showcases both historical significance and religious importance, offering a deeper understanding of Malta's spiritual evolution.

Marvel at St. Paul's Cathedral

Your tour continues with a visit to the stunning Baroque masterpiece that is St. Paul’s Cathedral, located in Mdina. Constructed between 1697 and 1702 under architect Lorenzo Gafà, this cathedral stands tall at approximately 85 feet high and covers an area of about 43,000 square feet. Inside, visitors will see the ornate interior with its intricate marble altars, gilded decorations, and stunning ceiling frescoes depicting religious scenes. The cathedral is particularly significant as it commemorates St. Paul’s visit to Malta in 60 AD, making it a pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide. Guests spend about 25 minutes here, marveling at the architectural details that set this cathedral apart from others in Europe.

Admire Bastion Square

The tour concludes with a stop at Bastion Square in Mdina where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the Maltese countryside. This square is part of the city’s defensive bastions built by the Order of St John between 1607 and 1849, covering an area of about 2 acres. From here, tourists get a panoramic view of Valletta across the Grand Harbour, making it a perfect spot for photos and contemplation. The square is unique due to its strategic importance as part of Mdina’s fortifications while also serving as a central gathering place for locals and visitors alike. This location provides context about the city's military history and architectural grandeur.

Tour Highlights

• Explore Domvs Romana, 1st-century Roman villa
• Stroll through St Paul’s Catacombs, 4th century underground tombs
• Marvel at St. Paul's Cathedral, Baroque masterpiece built in 1697-1702
• Enjoy panoramic views from Bastion Square in Mdina
• Discover hidden gems like pastizzi street snacks with your guide
• Hear riveting stories about the Silent City and Game of Thrones filming location
• Access to all major sites including Domvs Romana, St Paul’s Catacombs, and St. Paul's Cathedral
• Audio guides in English available throughout the tour

Perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture buffs, and religious pilgrims, this guided tour provides an immersive experience through Mdina and Rabat’s rich cultural heritage. The 2.5-hour format allows you to explore Domvs Romana, St Paul’s Catacombs, and Bastion Square, giving you a comprehensive understanding of Malta's ancient history while enjoying its architectural splendor.