Rabat

Rabat spreads outside the walls of Mdina and stands on what was the larger part of the Roman city of Melite, which is why so much lies underneath it: extensive Christian and Jewish catacombs, the grotto where tradition holds St Paul sheltered after his shipwreck, and the remains of a Roman townhouse at the boundary between the two towns. Above ground it is a working town of narrow streets, churches and the Franciscan and Augustinian friaries.

What you actually see

• St Paul's Grotto - the cave beneath the church where tradition places the apostle.
• The catacombs - extensive Christian and Jewish burial complexes under the town.
• The Roman city - Rabat standing on the larger part of ancient Melite.
• The churches - St Paul's, the friaries and the town's parish churches.

When to go

Year round; the underground sites keep a steady temperature and suit hot days. Mornings are quietest. Some sites close on Sundays or for long lunch breaks.

Honest expectations

Sites are ticketed separately and the costs mount. Several close over the middle of the day. Parking around Mdina and Rabat is very difficult.

Nearby

Mdina is through the gate, and Buskett is south.