Heritage Malta, the national agency for museums, conservation practice, and cultural heritage, will be opening one of the islands’ lesser-known historic sites for one day only this month.

Ta’ Mintna Catacombs, situated in Mqabba, will be welcoming visitors on Sunday 23rd October.

This site consists of three hypogea (underground chambers), originally built separately but joined together in modern history so that they could be used as a well.

Ta’ Mintna Catacombs was first documented by A.A. Caruana, a 19th century archaeologist and author best known for his book ‘Report on the Phoenician and Roman Antiquities in the group of islands of Malta’ (1888).

Said publication remains a cornerstone in Maltese archaeology.

The complex also exhibits unique features in the catacomb’s structure; the central hypogeum is best known for its extremely well-preserved triclinium, a rock-cut dining set-up used for commemorative meals, and the two rows of pyramidal lamp-holes facing it.

On the other hand, the two flanking hypogea are best-known for the exquisite decoration with which some of the window tombs are adorned.

Thinking of checking the site out?

Ta’ Mintna Catacombs will be open on Sunday 23rd October between 10am and 2pm. Tickets cost €2 for adults, whilst children (up to 11-years-old) and Heritage Malta members enter for free.

Tickets will be available at the door on the day of the event.

Iż-Żurrieq u l-madwar Zurrieq and its surroundings / Facebook