Malta's Lesser-Known Catacombs

The catacombs. TheMacabreNBold (Atlas Obscura User)

Concealed beneath a traditional Maltese farmhouse in Mosta, the Paleochristian Ta’ Bistra catacombs date back 1,700 years. They were built sometime during the fourth century AD and were rediscovered in 1891.

The Ta’ Bistra catacombs are important because they could potentially reveal the burial rituals of some of Malta’s earliest Christian dwellers. They’re the largest set of catacombs that have been found outside Rabat, where the island’s more famous catacombs are located. The site is 300 feet long and consists of 57 tombs laid out in 16 chambers. It was excavated in 1933.

Unfortunately, the farmhouse that was built on top of the catacombs had caused some damage to the ancient chambers. At one point, the tombs were occasionally used as an animal pen, while during World War II, the catacombs also served as an air raid shelter.

The farmhouse has since been converted into a visitor center. The visitor center, and the catacombs, are wheelchair friendly.

Know Before You Go

The Ta' Bistra Catacombs are open the last Sunday of every month between 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. Visitors are charged an admission fee. The site is fully accessible for wheelchair users.

The catacombs are located to the northwest of Mosta near the junction between four major roads, so reaching the site by car is relatively easy. Additionally, multiple bus routes pass through the area. Parking is available outside the entrance.