Mysterium Fidei is a multi sensory experience located within St Catherine’s Monastery, in the heart of Valletta. The door to the Secret Garden has been closed to the public for over 400 years, it is now open for you to enter this tranquil space and take a glimpse into the lives of the cloistered nuns. When joining the monastery, the nuns took vows never to leave. They lived a self-sustainable life closed away from the outside world. You can see the original, authentic kitchens, bedrooms, washrooms and even visit the crypt, their final resting place. The enclosed garden is a rarity in Valletta, here you can escape the hustle and bustle of the busy Valletta streets and experience the peace and serenity of this hidden oasis. Mysterium Fidei is a unique, must see, experience. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn the history, appreciate the architecture, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and contemplate the lives of the women who chose the life of the cloistered nun.
The Black Friars Experience. The museum and private chapels are located within the priory of the Dominican order. The Dominicans have worked within the Valletta community for centuries. Learn about the part they played in the building of the Valletta we see today. Visit the beautiful Basilica of St Dominic, adorned with works of art and priceless artefacts.
Both places were really interesting. Loved the garden in the monastery - so peaceful. There is a good audioguide you can download so take headphones. Black Friars also worth doing. Enjoyed both experiences.
It's simply entrance to two museums. You can buy the tickets here on Viator, or you can get it at the door to these museums, its the same price. There was no line at either place, and this is not a guided tour. There is a free audio guide available at both, but the Black Friar's one was not working for me (you have to download the audio guides on your phone). Overall, the two museums were really cool, I loved learning about the cloistered nuns and the Black Friars was so opulent.
St. Catherine’s Monastery was founded in 1575, initially to care for female orphans. It was built as solemn thanks for prayers answered, with the stonework used to build this monastery, literally dug from underneath it. The open quarry was then turned into the underground complex you will be experiencing. Over hundreds of years, cloistered nuns made an oath to lead a life of prayer, contemplation, and of service. From within the walls of this monastery, what is probably the last generation of nuns carry on the legacy to this day. Originally used as a quarry to build the monastery above it, the underground complex is packed with stories that transcend centuries. From the ribbed vaulted rooms, the peaceful, central garden, the fiery ovens, and the undisturbed burial place, this complex is as fascinating as it is unique. From the hustle and bustle of Valletta’s sights and sounds, this silent, underground complex is an oasis of peace and tranquillity. Its spaces whisper tales of hard work, intense prayer, and care for all those who needed help. As part of your visit to Valletta, Mysterium Fidei is an authentic experience that cannot be missed!
Both places are amazing! A must see if you're in Valetta Whether you're religious or not, the history is fascinating - I've never took so many photo's Also, the turtle in the fountain is really funny Manwel was very hospitable and really helpful Can't recommend these attractions enough
Both places are well conserved and full of history. It is truly a good experience and it is fascinating that both locations are still in use to this day. Bonus for the local cat that is a sweetheart
THE MYSTERIUM FIDEI & BLACK FRIARS ATE SELF-LEAD TOURS: THERE IS NO TOUR GUIDE. Nothing in the description advised of this, leading to fruitless calls for information. Once inside, the attractions were historically informative. The inner gardens of the Mysterium Fidei were absolutely lovely! I was gratified that the tour acknowledged how many girls were consigned to MF against their wills for economic reasons, rather than perpetuate the myth that they were all devout. I would recommend it for the history, the gardens, and the resident cats.
A beautiful garden and amazing experience in the middle of Valetta. The monastery is still working and you can feel the unique atmosphere of nuns' life. Worth to visit.
Truly a hidden gem. First we went to the Monastery. Solemn. Simple lifestyle. Eye opening 2nd stop - the Black Friars experience in the Basilica. Eye opening! Over the top. NO CROWDS! Give it a try!
These two experiences were well worth the visits to see how both the nuns and friars lived. Easy to find with friendly staff.
The Mysterium Fidei is an oasis of calm in a very busy world. And very Indian for a nunnery
Such a beautiful experience seeing this beautiful convent and seeing how the nuns spent their lives there.
The Church was worth seeing, fantastic marble work. Very interesting history. The secret garden was a little hard to find but amazing museum and gardens. Daniel the student was very helpful and we would like to wish him all the best for his new chapter in his life.
A fascinating insight into the past and a part of Malta’s history but also very much part of Malta’s present. The gardens were tranquil and calming, compared to the hustle and bustle just outside the doors. Great value for money. Have recommended to others.
Beautiful experience! Being in the place where these nuns dedicated their whole lives to serving others! Very peaceful and welcoming place! Very interesting to see the old equipment used for washing and cooking and the simplicity in which they lived! We felt very fortunate to be invited into a space which has been closed to the public for 400 years and get a glimpse of the humble yet remarkable way of life! Thank you for sharing with us! The Friar Church was equally impressive with so much to see! Beautiful interior and artwork! So worth a visit!!
What a beautiful and spiritual experience. Tucked up a street and unexpected. Nuns still live there and worship, and will die within their grounds. I cant actually find the words to describe this. Very educational and interesting.
8€ for entry, lovely space very friendly people. The Gardener was also very welcoming and explained a lot about the vegetation.
It was a nice visit. We had fun and got to learn the place's history. Saw an adorable turtle. We like it a lot.
The Mysterium Fidei was beautiful and so peaceful. The young man on the desk s was so helpful and it was a lovely visit. It was interesting to see how the Nuns lived and how hard their life would have been. The garden was tranquil and a little oasis in the city. A worthwhile visit with little cost, multi ticket gets you into the Blackfriars church and museum, again an interesting view x
Really enjoyable experience - very peaceful & enlightening - I would definitely recommend👍🏻 I must have walked past this site many times over the years & didn’t know anything about the convent. The hidden garden is wonderful
It was really interesting. I loved the visit . It felt a bit cold inside but the history , the app, the information , so in general everything was AMAZING ! and the guard was kind, I will come back with my students
My aunt lived in similar convent in uk, very poignant, especially the room with the burial area. You could sense the hardship they went through
Really absorbing. Getting insights into the lives of these cloistered orders was fascinating. Rooms and items from their lives- and where they still live and pray now. The magnificence and wealth of these once really comes through to, especially the Dominican monastery and church. The Cali paintings in the fines were something special even to my untrained eye!
Great experience to get view of the hidden spots and secreet religious life in monastery. The volunteer at the entrance counter gave great explanations including. sharing family details re his sister, one of the last nuns in the monastery
Great to understand what livening in the monetary was like. The garden was beautiful and the kittens were a bonus! The church was incredibly beautiful, a really masterpiece of art.
Glimpse into the past of Malta and adjustment to current and future with a restoration and opening to visitors. Fee is reasonable.
An unexpected visit to the nuns. A haven of peace in the middle of the busy streets of Valletta. A wonderful encounter with Margaret who was very knowledgeable and passionate. A secret place definitely to be shared but one small doses at a time to preserve its mystery.
A gem worth visiting! The place has a heavy mood especially thinking at the sadness and hardships of the poor young women being brought here by force. To see a world within another world, a closed universe in the middle of a vibrant city and thinking those women could never get out to see is heart breaking and deep in the same time. Beautiful place but the vibe is deep sad and heavy! It affects you and makes you not taking for granted the beauties of this world.
Interesting places to visit. Garden within nunnery so tranquil. Gives a glimpse into what life in the nunnery was like.
The garden itself is really peaceful, everywhere you look there is something beautiful. I recommend to bring a book or a notebook to write something about the place, I think it’s a really good place to just sit down and think, talk or just be. A really nice experience and a lot of education.
We had a few hours to spend in Valleta before our flight so we decided spontaneously to visit this place. I would definitely say that it was worth it. Highly recommended.
Our guid Margaret went into great detail and clearly has a lot of knowledge. The garden is amazing and so peaceful. Grate experience
Fascinating place which bears some striking resemblances to the infamous Magdalen Laundries in Ireland. Was used to house 'unruly' women ( no indication where unruly men were sent 😜...) but also abandoned infants and girls from poor families who couldnt afford doweries. Women spent their entire lives within this convent, even being buried within its walls. Fine for those who chose this life, unbelievably poignant for those women who had no choice. Fascinating place. Staff here very helpful answering questions. Highly recommended.
Definitely worth doing both the Black Friars and the Mysterium Fidei as part of ‘Hidden Valletta’ experience. Really interesting to see the history of the nuns and monks in the two different venues that are in close walking distance to each other. Great contrast between the very ornate monastery of St Catherine’s and the very sparse Mysterium Fidei (home of the St Augustian cloistered nuns). The staff at both venues were super helpful and very informative.
Very interesting place to visit and learn about the nuns and their traditions, also the cicerone was very helpful and explained the history very well. 10/10 recommend
I visited as I was passing and it turned out to be a real highlight of my time in Valletta. A working nunnery, the staff are knowledgeable and the beautiful garden and cloister exhibits give insight into the impoverished and difficult daily lives of the nuns. The nuns cells were fascinating to see. A moving and unexpected inclusion is access to the burial chamber which was used until a change in burial legislation in the mid 20th century. In addition to the portrait photos and tombs of the nuns (who traditionally stayed in the grounds of the convent in death as well as in life) you can view the accoutrements of the death ritual including the wooden death bed. I bought a combined ticket which also included the Black Friars Experience.
It’s such a wonderful place! With this and black friar’s experience, you get to see hidden gems of Malta. Also, I ran into Margaret, who was taking care of the these places, and she was the nicest, incredible person you can meet! Recommended 10/10
Monastery and church absolutely worth visiting. Explained very well both with the audio guide service in various languages and via app. Not to be missed!
Very nice visit, quiet place, with a beautiful garden (which feels good in a city where there is so little greenery)! I recommend this small museum!
Soothing and cultural experience
Nice visit very informative. Quiet place, relaxing and full of history.
Most interesting visit to Mysterium Fidei. We loved discovering this place full of history, still unknown to the general public. Two highlights of our visit were the inner garden, which is a haven of peace in the city, and the Sisters’ Crypt, which is particularly impressive and moving. An authentic experience that we highly recommend if you want to discover the hidden secrets of the capital!
An unexpected and very interesting visit on the life of the Monastery. A small bucolic and fragrant garden allows you to take a quiet time.
Small monastery inside the valley, well maintained and full of information (download the app and listen to the guide information). An experience to try!
Nice experience. Nicely explained by listening tape that you can download on your mobile. Recommended for during the hot summer days in the afternoon to find cooling.
Very impressive and depressing to see how nuns have lived for centuries. A very nice garden in the middle. There we met a friendly gentleman who also takes care of the three cute cat babies. He is very familiar with the history of this place
Beautiful combination to discover a mysterious and unknown side right in the center of Valletta Recommended
Absolutely do Check the official site for the guided tour Then you get to places you wouldn't otherwise go. The guide knows a lot , knows the nuns who are still alive and some of their family members .
Monday through Friday 9 am to 7 pm EST
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