The Wignacourt Museum
About This Museum
You'd never guess that beneath the quiet streets of Rabat lies a labyrinth of ancient catacombs, but that's just the beginning of what the Wignacourt Museum holds. Stepping into this 18th-century building feels like entering a time capsule, where every corner reveals a new layer of Maltese history. Beyond its grand halls filled with sacred art, a staircase descends into a cool, silent world of early Christian burials and even a grotto linked to St. Paul himself. It’s far more than an art museum; it's an unexpected journey from Baroque splendor right down into the island's spiritual bedrock.
Collection Highlights
The collection is wonderfully eclectic, from serene paintings by Maltese masters and intricate silver processional crosses to a cabinet of curiosities with everything from Roman glass to exotic seashells. Don't miss the chance to see the Punic-Roman tombs and the famous St. Paul's Grotto, a site of pilgrimage for centuries.
Visitor Information
It's tucked away on College Street in Rabat, an easy and lovely bus ride from Valletta. Wear comfortable shoes if you plan on exploring the catacombs—the stone steps are ancient and wonderfully atmospheric.
Architecture & Building
A beautiful, honey-colored Baroque building that once served as a barrack for the Knights of St. John, complete with classic Maltese architectural features like wooden balconies and thick limestone walls.
Contact & Location
Address: Triq il-Kulleġġ, Ħal Bajjada, Tal-Virtù, Ir-Rabat, Tramuntana, RBT 1528, Malta
Phone: +356 2749 4905
Website: Visit Website
