The Creepy Underground Malta Catacombs With Room For 1000 Bodies - Photos
After visiting St Paul’s Grotto in Rabat, Malta we decided to spend some more time underground and visit the Catacombs (sometimes referred to at St.Paul’s Catacombs). These were initially built by the Romans but have also been used by Jews and Christians, at a later date, to bury their dead. I believe there is room for over 1000 bodies.
According to Heritage Malta the: “… Catacombs are a typical complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries that were in use up to the 4th century AD … Part of the catacombs were used again during the re-Christianisation of the Island around the 13th century.”
The strange thing when visiting them today is that you first have to walk through underground tunnels and rooms that were used during the second world war as air raid shelters. The top photo shows the passage or tunnel and the second photo is of one of the ‘rooms’ off of the tunnel.
The tunnels were built using pick axes and were for the general public when the warning sirens were heard. Later some were given permission to build their own rooms so that they had some privacy.
After walking through these air raid tunnels the passages get narrow (see below) and it’s these that lead to the Catacombs – and it’s quite creepy! Especially as we were in there on our own, and it became something almost like a maze. The few lights cast shadows and shapes on the walls. Not a place to go if you are claustrophobic!
I found it all very interesting, and even spotted the odd bone, but I think Karin would have been happier if there had been more people about than just us – safety in numbers, and all that!
From what I’ve read the tombs were for the residents of the nearby town of Mdina (the Roman town of Melita). It was against their laws to bury the dead within their city walls.
There is a sign before reaching the Catacombs that Lord Horatio Nelson paid a visit on the 4th of May 1800. He was welcomed, at the time, by the rector and chaplains of the Knights of Malta.
After we’d had a good look round we managed to find our way out again into the bright sunshine, and walked to the walled town of Mdina. Maybe more on that another day.
Photos: © Mike Perry
Other Malta Posts:
The Cannon Went Off And Malta Turned Magical
The Maltese Fisherman Who Visited Heaven
The Billionaire And The Indian Empress In Malta Coincidences
A Pilgrimage To St Paul’s Grotto In Rabat, Malta
Valletta: The City Built By The Knights of the Order of St John
Source: http://www.67notout.com/2014/06/the-creepy-underground-malta-catacombs.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,835,760,252 |
| Stories: | 8,725,830 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
