List of catacombs in Malta

The catacombs in Malta are three different underground, ancient grave systems on the main island of the Mediterranean archipelago that have traces of use in Christian times. Their origin is possibly already in the Hellenistic era, but no later than they were created in Roman-Byzantine period. Were originally only simple grave holes carved into the rocky ground, so emerged with time complex systems of chambers and antechambers. Characteristic of Malta, however, that the catacombs were mostly family burial sites.

The catacombs are not identical with the Maltese rock tombs from the past (for example Xemxija at Mistra ), which are to be regarded as a precursor of the Maltese temples.

The Katakombenkomplexe

St. Paul 's Catacombs

The St. Paul 's Catacombs are located in Rabat. They were created around the year 350 and extend previously known 1.5 square kilometers. Over the years, about 1,400 dead were buried here. Meanwhile, all have been outsourced. The St. Paul 's Catacombs are open to the public and can be visited free of charge or on a guided tour with audio guide. In the catacombs you will find, among other so-called Agape tables.

St. Agatha 's Catacombs

The St. Agatha 's Catacombs in Rabat lie. Its origins can be dated to about the year 200 and they have a similar extent as the St. Paul 's Catacombs. Both untertirdischen networks are electrically illuminated, but they are only on guided tours at fixed times available. In these courses are 248, the Holy Agatha is said to have hidden, so that stirs the term. The St. Agatha 's Catacombs, of which only a small part can be visited are adorned with small altars, Agape tables and about 32 colorful 1200-1480 created murals, of which, however, are more severely damaged. Two of them even go back to the fourth century.

Salina Bay 's Catacombs

They are located on the main island of Malta in the northwest near the salt pans. You are within walking distance of Bugibba or Qawra. So as with most catacombs in Malta is located in the immediate vicinity of a small church ( Annunciation Church). The Salina Bay 's Catacombs are the only grave transitions of the group of islands that are partially visible from the surface. This is most likely to single family tombs. Each catacomb has a private entrance. But you are so satisfied with door to door and usually have several sarcophagi. The single from the rock struck, partly merging with one side of the cliff tombs a stair -like stone cushion at the head with two circular recesses. Mangeht assume that the heads of the deceased were placed in these wells. Unusually, almost exclusively sarcophagi for two people exist. At the top of the stone sarcophagi and, if given on the cliff walls can be seen traces of notches, which indicate that a five -centimeter thick coffin plate these sarcophagi must have closed once. On a sarcophagus you can still see the recess for an inserted in the center of the longitudinal axis of wooden beams below the upper edge, which prevents the In pushing the stone slab that this falls into the coffin.