Last Updated on February 6, 2024 by Sarah Wilson
The Mysterium Fidei Museum lies beneath St Catherine’s Monastery in the heart of Valletta. It is a fascinating underground complex and hidden garden that has been off-limits to the public for over 400 years. And is still home today to a few cloistered nuns of the Second Order of Saint Augustine.
A Little History
In 1575, St. Catherine’s Monastery was founded to support female orphans.
Marquis Giovanni Vasco Oliviero and his wife, Katerina, originally owned the property. However, eternally grateful for their son’s recovery from the plague, the couple donated this palace, Casa Vanilla, as a refuge for orphans.
Along with the building, they contributed by building a cloister, adding another floor, and leaving all their belongings to the monastery in their will.
The stones used to construct this monastery were actually excavated from beneath the site. The open quarry was transformed into the underground complex that is now the Mysterium Fidei Museum.
What You See In The Mysterium Fidei Museum
You get to see how the nuns used to live, from their simple, modest bedrooms to the reservoir where they did their laundry to the sewing rooms, the kitchen and the bathrooms.
Then there are the control rooms where the nuns used to control young women, considered a threat to the morality of that time. I dread to think what happened in there – all the sign said was the nuns took care of them and helped them mend their ways.
Apparently, one of these young, troubled women was the niece of Grandmaster Pinto, who eventually became a nun and never left.
One of the underground rooms was used as a shelter during the Second World War.
And then there’s the ‘hidden garden’. It’s not the most beautiful garden and could do with a little TLC, but they grow herbs and fruit here. There are three freshwater wells, plus sallow thorns, orange and lemon trees, and tomato plants.
Also, keep an eye out for the chickens, rabbits, and the cute resident camera-shy cat.
The AnteChamber & The Burial Chamber
The Antechamber served as the burial ground for the nuns. When the nuns entered the monastery, they took a solemn oath never to go beyond its walls, even in death.
In the burial chamber, when a nun passed away, she would be laid on the designated death bed. Four candles on each side would be lit, and then the body would be carried in a funeral procession down to the burial chamber.
During the seventies, the Maltese government introduced new regulations for burials, which meant when the nuns died, they were not allowed to be buried in the monastery, thus breaking their lifelong oath to God.
Eventually, the nuns were exempt from this rule, and burial was allowed in this chamber again.
Interactive Experience
When you enter and before buying your tickets, you are invited to connect to the Mysterium Fidei Wi-Fi network and download the free Mysterium Fidei app.
Walking around, you can scan the QR code and learn more about that particular exhibit. Note, though, that at some points, due to the thick walls, it’s not always possible to connect to the Wi-Fi to use the QR codes, but there is plenty of signage around the place.
All signs are written in English. Other languages are available through the app.
Where Is The Mysterium Fidei Museum?
The entrance is on St Christopher Street, Valletta just opposite the Barrister Hotel. It’s easy to find; Valletta isn’t large. Just keep walking down the main Republic Street, past St George’s Square, and you’ll see a sign on the left-hand side. If you pass the Casa Rocca Piccola, you have gone too far.
Opening Hours For Mysterium Fidei Museum
Open every day. From 09:30 to 16:30, Monday to Saturday. The last entry is at 16:00.
From 09:30 to 16:00 on Sundays and bank holidays. The last entry is at 15:30.
How Much Are Tickets For Mysterium Fidei Museum?
€8,00 per adult.
€4,00 for children under ten and free for children under five. Tickets can be online here or at the ticket desk.
Useful Tips For Visiting Mysterium Fidei Museum
Tickets can be bought online, although you must register on their site before buying tickets. However, it’s easy enough to purchase tickets at the counter.
Bring your phone with you to scan the QR codes and learn about what you are seeing. But note that because of the thick walls around the bedrooms and some of the rooms, you will likely lose Wi-Fi and may be unable to access information. Fortunately, there is signage everywhere.
The stairs from the main entrance to the ticket desk are quite steep and a bit slippery, so take care.
Allow at least an hour for your visit.
Is Mysterium Fidei Worth Visiting?
Yes, I really enjoyed my visit. As part of your visit to Valletta, Mysterium Fidei ( meaning the mystery of faith ) is an interesting experience that’s definitely worth a visit.
But don’t just take my word for it; take a look at these reviews on TripAdvisor.
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St John’s Co Cathedral in Valletta
The Malta Experience in Valletta
The Inquisitor’s Palace in Birgu
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I wish I had known about this when my husband and I visited. I would have love to explore it.
When were you here? It’s only recently opened to the public. Anyway, it’s a good excuse to return.