St Paul's Catacombs - Things to do in Malta

The Catacombs of St. Paul are not associated with Paul but derive their name from their proximity to St. Paul’s Church and Grotto in Rabat. They are a fascinating labyrinth of 3rd-century AD subterranean tombs and the earliest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta.

St. Paul’s Catacombs incorporates tombs for more than 1,000 bodies in 2,200 square meters. Not all of the site is accessible, but enough is open to the public to provide a fascinating look at several different types of tombs.

The few surviving murals, although fragmentary, are important since they constitute the only surviving evidence in Malta of painting from this period.

At the bottom of steep steps, seven meters into the catacombs, are two striking rooms divided by a central pillar.

The main crypt, on the right, has a high ceiling and at either end a raised plinth with a circular table and a semicircular bench, a feature unique to Malta. Both table and bench are hewn out of the rock in one piece, forming a single architectural unit within an apsed recess.

These were used for commemorative meals during the annual festival of the dead, an ancient Roman custom.

Down a couple of more steps, the crypt to the left may have been a chapel — it has a recess at the far end that may have been an altar.

Here there are “Luculus tombs,” small rectangular recesses cut into a wall and used for children.

On the right are two long corridors about 25 meters long each, leading to groups of tombs in which the body was interred underneath the pitched roof via an opening in the lower wall. To the left is another small group of canopied tombs and a long twisty passage leading to a lower level.

We recommend that you discover the beauty of St. Paul’s Catacombs on our North Tour of Malta.

Check Out Our North of Malta Tour:

Price for 2 to 4 persons - €120.00

Price for 5 to 6 persons - €150.00

Terms and Conditions apply.

During your Malta holidays should you wish to experience one of Our Exclusive Malta Tours kindly contact our chauffeur driven service on: +356 21250520 or on transport@excelsior.com.mt.

Recipe of the Month - Prinjolata

A traditional Maltese Dessert prepared especially for Carnival. The name Prinjolata comes from the word ‘Prinjol’ which means Pine Nuts in Maltese.

The prinjolata is a delicious carnival cake that is instantly recognizable from it’s unusual shape. When ready, the prinjolata resembles a snow capped mountain.

If you would like to try some mouthwatering dishes enjoy a delicious dinner at one of our top Malta Restaurants. Call us on 21250520 or email food.beverage@excelsior.com.mt to place your booking.

 

Carnival Weekend Special Rates

Enjoy the Carnival Weekend in Style at the Grand Hotel Excelsior!

As usual this Carnival Weekend several carnival activities will be centered in and around Valletta. If you would like to experience the Maltese Carnival Celebrations stay at the Grand Hotel Excelsior which is located on the doorstep of all this activity.

Prices starting from €108 per room per night for Double Occupancy.*

Whilst staying at this Luxury Malta Hotel enjoy all the festivities taking place a few minutes' walk from the hotel.

*Terms and Conditions Apply.

Fool's Paradise - Carnival in Malta and Gozo

Carnival was introduced to the Maltese Islands by Grand Master Piero de Ponte back in 1535. Held on the week prior to Ash Wednesday, and the approaching 40 days of Lent all rich and tantalizing foods and drink had to be disposed of. The result was a near hedonistic celebration of gluttony and other naughty pleasures, celebrated in the village or town.

The Maltese Karnival also has it’s own unique traditions, among these is the game Kukkanja which was introduced by Grand Master Zondadari in 1721. A crowd assembled in the Palace Square on Carnival Monday and at a given signal attacked the hams, sausages and live animals tied to the long beams fixed against the guard house and covered over with branches of trees in leaf. The provisions became the property of those who, having seized them, were able to carry off the items.

These traditions unfortunately have been lost in Malta, however one can still see the Kukkanja in Gozo’s villages. The nobility would obviously refrain from such rustic endeveavours, preferring a more subtle approach in the form of Carnival balls.

Official Celebrations open with the Parata, an ancient sword dance commemorating Malta’s victory over the Turks in 1565. Nowadays it is mainly children who participate in the dance. The Parata is of special significance in the history of the Maltese Carnival. Under the Knights it was taken very seriously, and the Maltese eagerly awaited its performance because the rule was “no Parata, no Carnival”.

Valletta hosts a number of these parades in costume and colourful floats which normally follow a particular theme, among these the Carnival King. These parades are judged and prizes are given for best dances, costumes and floats. During the 20s and 30s these parades would portray caricatures of the leading political figures which led to some tense situations. The colonial governors outlawing this form of satire of which has never been expressed since.

In Gozo parades also take place at Victoria (Rabat). However the attraction to many Maltese and tourists is the spontaneous Carnival held in Nadur, where costumes take a more personal theme, and show the Gozitan spirit to distinguish themselves from the rest.

Several Carnival Activities are centered in and around Valletta. If you would like to experience the Maltese Carnival Celebrations stay at one of the top Malta Hotels which is located on the doorstep of Valletta and enjoy superior Malta Accommodation.

Romantic Gourmet Experience at the Executive Lounge...

On the occasion of Valentine’s Day, the Grand Hotel Excelsior will be converting its Executive Lounge into a romantic, stylish venue reserved exclusively for 15 couples. Experience the spectacular views of Marsamxett Harbour, while our award-winning Chefs tantalise your taste buds with intriguing dishes, accompanying you through a unique Gourmet experience. Accompanying this epicurean journey of the Mediterranean is a selection of fine wines, hand-picked by our Sommelier. Price per person is €60. Booking in advance is highly recommended.

For more information kindly visit the Excelsior Hotel Malta's Hotel Website.

The Dragon checks in for the Chinese New Year

The Grand Hotel Excelsior welcomed the Year of the Dragon in style with a lavish Chinese Buffet under the auspices of the Chinese Ambassador to Malta H.E. Zhang Keyuan. The Hotel Lobby was decorated with authentic Chinese decorations which are a symbol of growth and prosperity.

On Monday 16th January the Dragon made a stunning entrance into the Grand Hotel Excelsior and checked-in on time for the Chinese New Year. For a whole week it proudly sat in the Hotel Lobby wishing the Hotel guests and staff a year full of prosperity. The 8 metre Dragon travelled all the way from China for its first Chinese New Year celebration in Malta.

VIP Guest for the month of January Chinese Foreign Minister Hon. Yang Jiechi welcomed by Mr. Grixti, Hotel General Manager, upon his arrival to the Grand Hotel Excelsior.

Chinese New Year, better known in China as the Spring Festival, is a time to welcome longevity, wealth and prosperity and to eliminate any negative events from the past. In Chinese tradition, each year is dedicated to a specific animal. The Dragon, Horse, Monkey, Rat, Boar, Rabbit, Dog, Rooster, Ox, Tiger, Snake, and Ram are the twelve animals that are part of this tradition. Each of these animals are thought to bestow their characteristics to the people born in their year. In 2012, the Dragon is welcomed back after the 2011 year of the Rabbit.

People born in the Year of the Dragon have a natural charisma and are certainly gifted with power and luck. Some famous personalities who were born in the Year of the Dragon are Michael Douglas, John Lennon, Al Pacino, Cliff Richard, Shirley Temple, Placido Domingo and Ringo Starr.

Chinese people may celebrate this feast in slightly different ways but their wishes are almost the same; they want their family members and friends to be healthy and lucky during the New Year.

To find out about Events at the Excelsior Hotel Malta and Things to do in Malta during your holidays stay updated with our Hotel website.