Pope John Paul II visited this grotto during his 1990 apostolic visit to Malta.
The grotto underneath was once used as an early Christian burial site before becoming a shrine.
The church interior features an ornate coffered ceiling and significant Baroque-era frescoes.
A portion of the grotto's rock is said to be naturally protected from weathering, which local tradition interprets as a miracle linked to St. Paul.
The church holds the status of a Collegiate church, granting its chapter specific liturgical privileges.
The site includes a collection of historical silver that is among the most significant in the Rabat region.
The Collegiate and Proto-Parish Church of St. Paul in Rabat, Malta, is built directly above the grotto where tradition holds the Apostle Paul lived during his three-month shipwreck stay in 60 AD. The present Baroque structure dates to the 17th century, though it integrates earlier foundations from the medieval period. The site serves as the primary pilgrimage point for the Pauline tradition in Malta. Beneath the church lies St. Paul's Grotto, which is connected to the wider St. Paul's Catacombs complex. The sanctuary houses a bronze statue of the Apostle presented by Pope Pius XII. A dedicated museum adjacent to the site preserves ecclesiastical artifacts and silver collections. The church complex functions as a proto-parish, meaning it was one of the earliest established parishes on the island.
The view of the main altar from the center aisle and the interior of the Grotto, where photography is permitted without flash.
Visit the connected underground catacombs to understand the broader archaeological context of the area.
Look for the entrance to the Grotto, which is accessed separately from the main church nave.
Combine your visit with a walk through the nearby Roman Villa ruins.
Do not mistake this site for the St. Paul's Catacombs located a short distance away, though they are thematically linked.
Modest dress is strictly required; shoulders and knees must be covered. Maintain silence as it is an active place of worship.
