St Paul’s Catacombs Awarded European Heritage Label In Landmark Recognition For Malta

Press release│27 February 2026

Heritage Malta proudly announces that St Paul’s Catacombs in Rabat have been awarded the prestigious European Heritage Label, becoming the first Maltese site to receive this recognition. This reward highlights the site’s contribution to understanding the continent’s shared past.

A flagship initiative of the European Commission’s ‘Creative Europe’ framework, the European Heritage Label recognises sites that have shaped the history, culture and development of Europe. This year marks the highest number of awarded sites since 2014, with 13 sites selected by independent experts for their historical significance and commitment to engaging and inspiring young people.

In March last year, St Paul’s Catacombs were shortlisted among the proposals received by the Commission from 15 participating EU countries. The site has now secured its place among locations that articulate key elements of Europe’s shared human history.

Serving as a burial ground in Punic, Roman and Byzantine times, the Catacombs form the largest classical period burial site in Malta. The complex contains Jewish, Polytheistic and Christian burials within the same cemetery, offering some of the earliest material evidence of religious coexistence, diversity and freedom of belief in Europe. Other European values represented through symbols, inscriptions and unique features in the site include equality, human dignity, free trade and scientific knowledge. The site also attests to the Christianisation of Europe and the emergence of related traditions.

As part of the process leading to the award, Heritage Malta submitted a project aimed at making the Catacombs an even more engaging historic and educational destination, to convey their European significance more effectively. Initiatives include reconfiguring the visitor centre, updating exhibition areas, creating an interpretation pavilion and excavation pit for youth-focused activities, and improving the audio guide with additional European language options.

Glenn Micallef, European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture and Sport, said: “These sites remind us that Europe’s future is rooted in its shared past. These sites are living classrooms for the new generations. By preserving them, we ensure that Europe’s story continues to inspire, unite and guide us forward.”

Dr Owen Bonnici, Minister for the National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government of Malta, commented: “This recognition awarded to the Catacombs of St Paul proves not only how profound and meaningful Malt’s history is, but also how seriously and responsibly we are gazing forward. When culture is regarded as a pillar of innovation and sustainable growth, we build a future with firm roots.”

Noel Zammit, Heritage Malta’s Chief Executive Officer, stated that: “This achievement affirms the agency’s long-standing commitment to positioning Malta’s heritage within its wider European context. It strengthens Heritage Malta’s ongoing participation in initiatives such as European Heritage Days and International Museum Day, while reinforcing the Catacombs’ role along the Camino Maltés and within Malta’s UNESCO Tentative List, placing the site firmly on Europe’s cultural map for present and future generations.”

Other sites awarded the European Heritage Label this year include Provadia-Sonitsa in Bulgaria, Europe’s earliest salt production and first prehistoric urban centre; the Lapedo Child burial in Portugal, one of the rare Palaeolithic child graves in Europe; and the Styrian Armoury in Austria, the world’s largest preserved historical armoury.