Malta: Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour With Catacombs

Malta’s Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour with Catacombs offers a captivating glimpse into the island’s rich history and architectural wonders. Explore the walled city of Mdina, admiring its medieval and baroque splendor, before venturing into the charming streets of Rabat. Uncover the secrets of the legendary St. Paul’s Grotto and explore the ancient catacombs that reveal the burial practices of early Christians. This comprehensive tour provides an immersive cultural experience, leaving visitors intrigued and eager to discover more about Malta’s enduring legacy.

Key Points

• The guided walking tour of Mdina and Rabat, priced at €22 per person, highlights medieval and baroque architecture, including Mdina Cathedral and Palazzo Falzon.
• The tour explores Rabat’s historical sites, such as the Wignacourt Museum, WWII shelters, and St. Paul’s Grotto, providing a comprehensive cultural experience.
• Participants can discover the ancient catacombs beneath Rabat, offering insights into early Christian history and practices.
• The tour, conducted in English and wheelchair accessible, has an overall rating of 4.8/5 stars based on customer feedback.
• The tour includes all entrance fees and a professional licensed guide, ensuring a well-structured and engaging experience for visitors.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This guided walking tour of Mdina and Rabat offers visitors a chance to explore Malta’s historic walled city and its surrounding areas.

Priced from €22 per person, the 2.5-hour tour is conducted in English and is wheelchair accessible.

Highlights include visiting the Mdina Cathedral, Palazzo Falzon, and other key sites within the medieval and baroque-influenced "Silent City."

The tour also explores Rabat, providing access to the Wignacourt Museum, WWII shelters, and St. Paul’s Grotto.

Entrance fees are included, and the tour allows participants to stroll through narrow streets unchanged for over a millennium.

With a 4.8/5 overall rating, this experience promises an enriching historical journey through Malta’s past.

Experience Highlights

Visitors begin their journey through Malta’s storied past by exploring the historical city of Mdina, known as Città Notabile, whose medieval and baroque architecture has remained largely unchanged for over a millennium.

They’ll stroll along the city’s narrow streets, marveling at key sites like the Mdina Cathedral, Palazzo Falzon, the Greeks Gate, Vilhena Palace, and St. Agatha’s Chapel.

The tour then ventures to the neighboring town of Rabat, where highlights include the Wignacourt Museum, WW2 Shelters, and the revered St. Paul’s Grotto.

Entrance fees to the catacombs and all sites are included, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience into Malta’s rich cultural heritage.

Historical Significance

Mdina, once Malta’s capital, has a rich history dating back to the Bronze Age. Settlements established by Phoenicians and Romans were later influenced by Arab rule.

After a devastating 1693 earthquake, the city’s reconstruction preserved its historical essence, reflecting Malta’s evolution through various cultures and governance.

From its medieval and baroque architecture to its narrow streets unchanged for 1,000 years, Mdina offers a window into the island’s storied past.

Visitors can explore the Mdina Cathedral, Palazzo Falzon, and other key sites that tell the tale of this once-prominent city’s enduring significance in Maltese history.

Practical Information

The tour meeting point is outside the Mdina Gate, opposite the playing field.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and bring a sun hat, sun protection, and water.

The tour includes a professional licensed guide, all entrance fees, and hotel pick-up and drop-off. Gratuities for the guide are optional.

The walking tour through Mdina and Rabat covers numerous historical sites, including the Mdina Cathedral, Palazzo Falzon, and the catacombs.

With a duration of 2.5 hours, the tour provides an in-depth exploration of Malta’s rich cultural heritage.

Cancellations are free up to 24 hours in advance, ensuring flexibility for participants.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Customer Feedback

According to customer reviews, the Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour with Catacombs has earned an impressive overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars based on 439 reviews.

Guests have particularly praised the knowledgeable and engaging guides, who provide enriching historical insights throughout the tour. The value for money and service quality have also been highly rated, with 4.8 and 4.9 out of 5 stars respectively.

Reviewers have enjoyed the well-organized nature of the tour, though some noted room for improvement in this area.

Mdina: Città Notabile

Although once the capital of Malta, the walled city of Mdina, also known as Città Notabile, now serves as a living museum showcasing its medieval and baroque architectural heritage.

Visitors can explore the city’s narrow, winding streets that have remained unchanged for over a millennium.

Key attractions include:

1. The Mdina Cathedral, a stunning cathedral built in the 12th century and reconstructed in the baroque style after the 1693 earthquake.
2. Palazzo Falzon, a beautifully preserved medieval palace that now houses a museum.
3. Greeks Gate, a grand baroque gateway that provides an impressive entrance to the city.

Mdina’s rich history and well-preserved architecture make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Malta’s cultural treasures.

Rabat Exploration

Mdina’s neighbor, the town of Rabat, offers visitors a chance to delve deeper into Malta’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Explore the Wignacourt Museum, which showcases Malta’s art and history. Venture into the WW2 Shelters, where locals sought refuge during the war.

At St. Paul’s Grotto, discover the legendary site where the Apostle Paul is said to have been shipwrecked and preached.

This walking tour provides an engaging glimpse into Rabat’s multifaceted past, complementing the medieval splendor of neighboring Mdina.

With included entrance fees, travelers can enjoy these significant historical sites, gaining a comprehensive understanding of Malta’s evolution through the centuries.

Catacombs Discovery

Beneath the charming streets of Rabat lie a network of ancient catacombs, offering visitors a captivating glimpse into Malta’s early Christian history.

These expansive underground burial chambers date back to the 4th century AD and provide a remarkable insight into the religious practices and daily lives of Malta’s earliest Christian communities.

Key features of the catacombs include:

1. Intricate designs and inscriptions carved into the rock walls, showcasing the artistry and devotion of the early Christian residents.

2. Preserved burial niches and sarcophagi, offering a poignant connection to the individuals interred within.

3. The opportunity to explore the winding, subterranean passages and gain a deeper understanding of Malta’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. Pets are not permitted on the walking tour for safety and accessibility reasons. Participants are advised to make alternative arrangements for their pets during the tour.

Is Photography Allowed in the Catacombs?

Photography is generally allowed in the catacombs, but visitors should follow the guide’s instructions and avoid using flash to preserve the site’s delicate environment. Guests are encouraged to take photos while exploring this historical underground network.

What Is the Minimum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour has no minimum group size, allowing individuals to book. It’s a flexible option that can accommodate solo travelers or small groups. This creates an intimate and personalized walking experience.

Do I Need to Purchase Tickets Separately for the Included Sites?

The included entrance fees cover admission to all the sites visited during the tour, so there’s no need to purchase tickets separately. The tour guide handles all the logistics, making it a hassle-free experience.

Are There Any Dietary Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour does not have any dietary restrictions. Participants are welcome to bring their own food and beverages as desired. The tour focuses on exploring historical sites rather than providing meals.

Recap

The Mdina and Rabat Walking Tour with Catacombs offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore Malta’s rich history and stunning architecture. From the medieval and baroque splendor of Mdina to the ancient catacombs of Rabat, this tour provides a comprehensive cultural journey, immersing guests in the island’s captivating past. With knowledgeable guides and included entrance fees, it’s an exceptional way to experience the best of Malta’s historic wonders.

You can check if your dates are available here: