BUSES. From Valletta 80, 81, Bugibba 86, Sliema 65.
Hours. October to June.
Mon-Fri 0900 to 1200, then 1300 to 1700, Sat 0900 to 1300.
St Agatha's Catacombs
The martyr St Agatha is said to have hidden in these catacombs during the persecution of the Christians by the Roman Emperor Decius in 249 A.D. The catacombs are important also for their remarkable medieval frescoes, some dating from the 12th century.

A characteristic feature of Maltese catacombs are the `agape tables' hewn out of the rock. Here, mourners would hold a `wake' - probably a farewell meal - in honour of the deceased. The catacombs, which belong to the Church, are situated in lovely surroundings among trees and shrubs. The small museum at the entrance displays a varied and interesting collection ranging from coins to Roman, Etruscan and Egyptian artefacts.

BUSES. From Valletta 80, 81, Bugibba 86, Sliema 65.

St Paul's Catacombs
St Paul's Catacombs is the largest of Rabat's catacomb complexes. At 3sq km i t is an incredible labyrinth of corridors and burial chambers that reveal three basic styles of graves.

The first is a type of canopied grave that is like a four-post bed. Another, called the loculus, rectangular space cut into the limestone wall to hold the grave of a child. Others graves, called floor graves, are cut into the floor and would have been covered with rock.

Throughout the grave sites there are tables and benches that were likely used by families for a religious service for those recently laid to rest.