Mysteries in a Valletta Monastery - Guided Tour
Malta
Take a guided tour of St Catherine's cloistered monastery in Valletta and hear how its order of nuns bury their dead, the truth about their "control rooms", and why the nuns had to learn carpentry.
Explore a guided tour of St Catherine's cloistered Catholic monastery in Valletta, ideal for history and culture enthusiasts.
Highlights
- Guided tour of a functioning cloistered Catholic monastery
- Learn how the nuns bury their deceased sisters in the monastery's crypt
- Discover how the nuns were self-sufficient as carpenters and cooks
Description
Visit a cloistered monastery in Valletta that was closed off for 400 years until recently opened to visitors. The nuns at St Catherine's monastery live entirely within its walls and are buried in the candlelit crypt on site.
This guided tour includes access to the museum section called the Mysterium Fidei on the ground floor. You will learn about daily life in a cloistered monastery, the purpose of its “control rooms,” and the burial practices still observed today.
Discover the story behind a chapel statue of a beheaded man, understand how convent life was self-sufficient, and hear about a former nun who is on track for sainthood.
Includes
- Your guide, Mario, is an ex-BBC journalist specialized in Maltese history.
- Mario draws on archives, newspapers, and rare books to provide entertaining, educational, and engaging stories.
- The tour reveals lesser-known aspects of Maltese history with passion and clear insight.
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
For the best experience, book in advance and wear comfortable shoes. Morning tours offer cooler temperatures and quieter surroundings.
