San Pawl Milqi Special Opening

On Friday, 10th February (Postponed to 12th February due to weather conditions) , a public holiday which commemorates the shipwreck of St Paul on our islands, Heritage Malta is inviting the public to visit the archaeological site of San Pawl Milqi in Burmarrad at a reduced admission fee.

According to a traditional Pauline cult, it was here that the Apostle St Paul was greeted by Publius, the governor and first bishop of Malta.

One must say that there is no documentary evidence that St Paul was ever at this place. However, this site, which also includes a chapel, has attracted considerable interest from those who have at heart the Pauline cult and tradition.

Archaeologically, the site has significant value. Besides some ancient tombs which are present in the area, it contains the most extensive remains of a typical Roman villa that was occupied for at least six centuries; from the second century BC to the fourth century AD. The remains of several stone instruments related to olive pressing indicate the agricultural section of the villa, whereas traces of fine wall paintings demonstrate the living quarters.

In recent years, Heritage Malta has been dedicating part of this site to beekeeping to produce local honey and other by-products. These products will be available for sale.

Admission on the 10th of February costs €3 for adults and free for children and Heritage Malta members. Tickets will be available only at the door only, and Heritage Malta passports are not applicable.