New & now
Stunning underground Valletta secret garden finally open to the public after 400 years
The monastery was built in 1575.

Emma Galea

After four centuries, one of Malta’s hidden treasures has at last opened its doors to the public. The Mysterium Fidei Museum will be organising tours into the underground world lying beneath the St. Catherine’s Monastery in Valletta.

The monastery was closed off to the public as it was used by monastic nuns who chose to lock themselves from the outside world for as long as they lived.

However, now visitors can immerse themselves into the everyday life at the monastery and discover the fascinating history this mysterious monastery has to offer.

St. Catherine’s Monastery was originally built to take care of female orphans during the time of the Knights of Saint John in the year 1575.

The monastery itself was built on the stones dug up from the quarry underneath the monastery. The open quarry was then turned into the stunning underground complex you will now finally be able to explore.

During a visit to the underground complex, you’ll be able to visit the ribbed vaulted rooms, the peaceful central garden, the fiery ovens and the undisturbed burial place.

The museum’s opening hours are as follows:

Tuesday: 8:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm- 4pm

Wednesday: 8:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm- 4pm

Thursday: 8:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm- 4pm

Friday: 8:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm- 4pm

Saturday: 8:30am-12:30pm & 1:30pm- 4pm

Sunday: 8:30am-2pm

Public Holidays: 8:30am-12pm

Tickets can be bought and pre-booked from here. 

17th February 2023


Emma Galea
Written by
Emma Galea
Emma is a Gozitan writer who loves all things related to English literature and history. When not busy studying or writing you will either find her immersed in a fictional book or at the cinema trying to watch as my films as she possibly can!

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