St. Agatha's Catacombs

One of the oldest places of Christian worship on Malta, this beautiful and fascinating underground Basilica was used by St Agatha to practice Christianity during her refuge here.

Covering a total area of over 4100 sq. metres and sited under one of Malta's oldest Church, the crypt and catacombs of St. Agatha have unique Siculo Byzantine and Graeco Roman style frescos.

Originally a small natural cave, the crypt was extended during the medieval period and the various tombs found in these hypogea reflect the Punic, Jewish and Christian faiths.

Some of the over 500 tombs are decorated with reliefs and frescoes and there are two Agapee table placings where dinners in honour of the dead took place.

St Agatha was martyred in AD 251 by having her breasts removed for refusing to turn away from Jesus Christ. Indeed the Maltese believe that her intercession in 1551 saved the island from Turkish invasion.