Mdina & Rabat: Walking Tour with Catacombs & St. Paul's Grotto

Summary

Wander medieval mdina streets explore rabat catacombs stories legends and quiet

You’ll wander Mdina’s silent streets with a local guide, step into Rabat’s cool catacombs and WWII shelters, and pause inside St. Paul’s Grotto where history feels close enough to touch. Expect stories you won’t find in guidebooks — plus those small moments when Malta surprises you with its warmth or quietness.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what silence sounds like in a city? That’s the first thing that hit me walking through Mdina — this hush, even though we were a small group shuffling along those old limestone streets. Our guide, Joseph (he grew up nearby), waved at an old lady carrying bread and then pointed out a door knocker shaped like a lion. He said each one has its own story, but honestly I was still thinking about how the air smelled faintly of dust and something sweet — maybe almond from a pastizzi shop we’d passed in Rabat earlier.

I didn’t expect to go underground so soon, but there we were, squeezing down stone steps into the catacombs beneath Rabat. It’s colder down there, and you can feel the dampness on your skin. Joseph flicked his torch across carvings on the wall — he told us these tunnels sheltered people during WWII, not just centuries ago. Someone in our group asked if it ever gets claustrophobic; he just shrugged and said Maltese people have always found ways to hide when they had to. I liked that answer.

We stopped for a moment in St. Paul’s Grotto — it’s quiet except for shoes scraping stone. There’s this odd feeling of standing somewhere that’s been sacred for so long you can almost sense all the prayers left behind. I’m not religious but… I don’t know, it got to me for a second. After that we wandered back into daylight, blinking at Mdina’s sunlit walls, passing palazzos where cats sleep on windowsills like they own the place (maybe they do). The whole day felt like slipping between layers of time — one minute you’re dodging modern cars in Rabat, next you’re squinting at medieval graffiti or trying not to trip over uneven stones.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Mdina and Rabat walking tour highlights

• Meet the guide at starting point
• Walk through Rabat streets and churches
• Visit museum: catacombs, WW2 shelters, grotto
• Walk through medieval Mdina city
• Explore Mdina old capital city

Top questions

How long is the Mdina & Rabat walking tour?

The tour covers several hours including time underground in the catacombs and grotto.

Are entrance fees included for the catacombs and St. Paul’s Grotto?

Yes, entry tickets are included as part of the Wignacourt Museum visit.

Is this walking tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but expect stairs in underground sites.

Does the tour include a professional guide?

Yes, your walk is led by a professional local guide throughout Mdina and Rabat.

Are service animals allowed on this tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted during the tour.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, public transport options are available close to both Mdina and Rabat starting points.

What will I see inside the Wignacourt Museum?

You’ll visit the catacombs, WWII shelters, and St. Paul’s Grotto inside the museum complex.

What’s included

Your day includes guided walks through both Mdina and Rabat with all entry tickets covered for the Wignacourt Museum sites—catacombs, WWII shelters, and St. Paul’s Grotto—plus plenty of stories from your local guide along the way.