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Mqabba Catacombs

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

Historical site

Weather…

The Mqabba Catacombs, specifically the Tal-Mintna complex, are a fascinating Paleo-Christian burial site dating from the 4th to the 9th century AD. These underground rock-cut chambers provide a rare and intimate glimpse into the funerary practices and social organization of Malta’s late antique inhabitants. The catacombs feature a series of galleries and burial chambers, most notably containing 'agape tables', circular rock-cut platforms used for ritual funerary meals. Tal-Mintna is particularly distinguished by the high quality of its architectural preservation, including decorative pilasters and carved niches that display early artistic efforts. Rediscovered in the late 19th century, the site is now under the care of Heritage Malta and recognized as a vital part of the nation's cultural heritage. While smaller in scale than the better-known complexes in Rabat, these catacombs offer unique insights into the early spread of Christianity across the Maltese islands. Due to their fragile nature, access is carefully managed to preserve the historic atmosphere and structural details.

Location: Malta
Top sights: Chapel of the Annunciation · Torri ta' Wilġa / Tat-Torrijiet · Scrapped aircraft
Nearby: Marsa (4 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May–Jul.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	14	15	16	19	23	26	27	25	23	20	16
Rain mm	74	65	51	33	17	11	4	10	63	82	95	82

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Mqabba Catacombs are a small yet significant historical site that can only be visited as part of a guided tour. Entry is usually subject to a fee.

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Typical hours

Guided tours typically take place on specific days, often by prior arrangement. It is recommended to enquire at the local tourist office in advance.

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Photography

Photography in the catacombs is usually allowed without flash. Flash can damage the fragile frescoes and structures.

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Time needed

The catacomb tour lasts about 30 to 45 minutes. If also exploring the surrounding Mqabba area, allow an additional stroll.

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Combine with

Combine the visit with viewing the Vincenti Tower in Mqabba. The nearby town of Żurrieq also gives other sights.

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Getting there

Mqabba is in southern Malta, about a 15-minute drive from Valletta. By bus, lines 71, 72, 73 serve the town.

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Insider tip

Book the tour early, as groups are small and spaces limited. Sturdy footwear is important due to damp and uneven passages.

Geography

Coordinates

35.84500, 14.46670

Facts

Dated to the period between the 4th and 9th centuries AD.
Features rare rock-cut 'agape tables' for ritual meals.
First described by scholar A.A. Caruana in the year 1860.
The Tal-Mintna complex consists of three small catacombs.
Contains a variety of tomb types for adults and children.
Managed and protected by the national agency Heritage Malta.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Vincenti Tower<1 km · SWExplore →

Kirkop1 km · EExplore →

Xarolla Windmill2 km · SEExplore →

Malta International Airport2 km · NEExplore →

Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)2 km · NWExplore →

Limestone Heritage Park & Gardens2 km · WExplore →

Concrete Batching Plants3 km · NExplore →

Għar Lapsi Cove3 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Mqabba Catacombs (10)

Chapel of the Annunciation

The Chapel of the Annunciation in Żurrieq, Malta, is a Catholic church building.

Torri ta' Wilġa / Tat-Torrijiet

Ruins of a watchtower, built around 269 AD in response to attacks from the Heruli.

Scrapped aircraft

A decommissioned aircraft placed on a site in Mqabba.

Montekristo Animal Park

A zoo in Mqabba, Malta, housing various animal species.

Montekristo Palace🏰 castle

A castle in Mqabba, Malta, built in the Neo-Gothic style.

Monument Santa Katarina V.M.

A monument dedicated to Saint Catherine of Alexandria in Mqabba.

Monument Our Lady of Mount Carmel

A monument of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Mqabba, Malta.

Knisja Parrokkjali Marija Assunta

The parish church of the Assumption of Mary in Qrendi, Malta, is a church building.

Dolmen

A prehistoric dolmen, consisting of a large capstone on upright stones.

Il-Kappella tal-Madonna tal-Ħniena

The chapel of Our Lady of Mercy in Qrendi, Malta, is a church building.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What are the Mqabba catacombs?

These are early Christian burial sites, known as the Tal-Mintna catacombs.

Are the catacombs always open?

No, they are managed by Heritage Malta and are mostly open only by appointment or on special days.

Where are the catacombs located?

They are located in the old village core of Mqabba, not far from the parish church.

Are there guided tours on site?

When open, short guided tours by Heritage Malta experts are often offered.

Is it safe to walk through the catacombs?

Yes, but the passages are narrow and low, so caution is advised.

Mqabba Catacombs: where is it located?

Mqabba Catacombs is located in Malta.

Mqabba Catacombs: what is there to see?

Highlights include Chapel of the Annunciation, Torri ta' Wilġa / Tat-Torrijiet, Scrapped aircraft.

Mqabba Catacombs: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jul.

Mqabba Catacombs: why is it worth visiting?

The Mqabba Catacombs, specifically the Tal-Mintna complex, are a fascinating Paleo-Christian burial site dating from the 4th to the 9th century AD.

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