St Paul's Catacombs are the oldest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. They are located on the outskirts of the old Roman capital Melite (today Mdina), since Roman law prohibited burials within the city limits. Complex of hollowed-out into rock interconnected, underground cemeteries was in use up to the 4th century AD. Parts of the catacombs were used again during the re-Christianization of the Island nine centuries later. The cemetery was eventually abandoned, but during Second World War, new tunnels were drilled and used as a shelter during Nazi air-raids.
Another private bomb shelter we found in Casa Rocca Piccola.
The agape table was commonly found in many catacombs. It consists of a table cut into the rock with a flat surface around. The first Christians used it for special meals known as the Agape feast (Love feast) that took place near the tombs on death anniversaries. It was an expression of devotion and fraternal love.
Connected with the catacombs are the St. Paul's Grotto and the church in his name. According to the Acts of the Apostles, during St. Paul's journey from Crete to Rome, it was here that he took refugee and spent three months after his ship wrecked on the coast of Malta. The grotto has become one of the earliest places of Christian worship on the island. It is still an important pilgrimage site for many Catholics even Popes.
