Valletta: Monastery and Secret Garden Entry Ticket

Discover the Valletta Monastery and Secret Garden with an Entry Ticket for Just $11

This tour offers a rare chance to step inside St Catherine’s Monastery in the heart of Valletta, Malta. For only $11 per person, visitors gain access to a 400-year-old cloistered monastery that was previously closed to the public. The experience includes a 40-minute audio tour available in eight languages, guiding you through the humble life of the cloistered Augustinian nuns, their crypt, and the beautiful garden within the monastery walls.

What makes this tour stand out is the unique glimpse into a world that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The serene garden, with its vine-covered pergolas and soothing fountain sounds, offers a peaceful escape from Valletta’s busy streets. It’s a quiet, reflective space, perfect for those interested in history, architecture, or simply seeking tranquility amid the city’s bustle.

However, since access involves small stone steps and the building is quite old, visitors with mobility concerns should consider calling in advance for assistance. This self-guided experience delivers an authentic look into the lives of cloistered nuns and the spiritual ambiance that has persisted for centuries. It suits anyone wanting a quiet, educational break from sightseeing and appreciates historical architecture.

Key Points

• Affordable entry price of $11 includes an audio tour in eight languages.
• The monastery was closed to the public for 400 years, making access a rare opportunity.
• Visitors explore the living space of Augustinian nuns and learn about their self-sustainable lifestyle.
• The serene garden features old vines and a calming fountain, offering a peaceful retreat.
• The crypt provides a final resting place of the nuns, adding a thought-provoking element.
• Tours are self-paced, with flexible timings valid for 365 days, allowing easy planning.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Unique Setting of St Catherine’s Monastery in Valletta

The tour takes place within the walls of St Catherine’s Monastery, in a central Valletta location on St Christopher Street. This historic building has been a home to cloistered Augustinian nuns for over 400 years, and it remains their residence today. Its authentic architecture and simple interiors reflect a life dedicated to faith and humility.

The entrance is marked at the corner of St Christopher Street and Strait Street, making it easy to find on Google Maps. The monastery’s age is evident in its stone walls and low steps, which are part of the charm but may require assistance for some visitors. The entire complex offers a peaceful atmosphere, away from the hustle of the city.

The audio guide enhances the visit by explaining the history and daily life of the nuns, with QR codes placed at 15 information points around the site. If preferred, visitors can read information boards in English for a more visual experience.

Inside the Cloistered Monastery: Architecture and Atmosphere

Once inside, the architecture reveals a simple yet elegant design, with archways, cloisters, and historic rooms. The quiet corridors and plain furnishings emphasize a life of service and devotion. The audio guide elaborates on the use of spaces, including the kitchen and cell areas.

The cloisters are the heart of the monastery, where nuns have lived in self-sustainability. The old vines, once used for wine production, grow high towards the sun, adding a touch of natural beauty to the stone surroundings. The sound of water from the fountain enhances the tranquil vibe, making it a perfect spot for reflection.

Visitors can wander freely after the audio tour, taking in the architecture and soaking up the peaceful environment. The crypt, accessible during the visit, serves as the final resting place for some of the nuns, offering a somber but respectful insight into their spiritual journey.

The Audio Tour: Content and Languages Offered

The 40-minute audio tour is a key feature, providing detailed explanations of the monastery’s history and daily life of the nuns. It is available in Maltese, English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Polish, and Russian, making it accessible to a wide range of visitors.

To access the guide, visitors download the Mysterium Fidei app and scan QR codes located at strategic points around the complex. Alternatively, reading the information boards in English offers a shorter, edited version of the same content.

The self-guided format offers flexibility, allowing visitors to pause, revisit, or linger at points of interest, including the crypt and garden. This approach ensures a personalized experience that suits different interests and paces.

The Garden Retreat: A Peaceful Oasis in Valletta

The secret garden within the monastery is a highlight for many visitors. The well-maintained space features old vines, flowering plants, and a calming fountain, which all combine to create a serene environment.

Here, visitors can escape the city’s noise and enjoy a moment of quiet reflection. The sounds of water and the shade from the vines contribute to a relaxing atmosphere that is seldom found in the more bustling parts of Valletta.

The garden’s privacy and beauty make it a perfect spot to pause and take photos, or simply enjoy the calm surroundings after the tour. It’s a space that feels like a living piece of history, with the vines and plants continuing a centuries-old tradition of self-sufficient living.

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Visiting Logistics: Opening Hours and Accessibility

The monastery is open seven days a week. From Monday to Saturday, hours are from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm, with the last entry at 4:00 pm. On Sunday, opening hours are from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, with the final entry at 3:30 pm.

Access involves a few low stone steps, so visitors needing assistance should call ahead. The tour is designed to be self-guided, offering flexibility in how long visitors spend exploring. The entire experience is accessible for most, but those with mobility issues should check in advance.

There is no mention of food or drink service, but the quiet environment makes it an ideal place for a peaceful break during a day of sightseeing.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This experience appeals particularly to those interested in history, architecture, and religious life. It is ideal for travelers seeking a peaceful escape within Valletta, as well as those curious about monastic traditions and self-sustainable living.

The affordable price and self-guided format make it a great option for independent explorers. Visitors looking for active, fast-paced tours may find it too slow, but anyone seeking a quiet, reflective moment will find it rewarding.

The availability of tours in multiple languages ensures a broad appeal, and the guides’ explanations have been praised for being clear and informative.

Final Thoughts on the Valletta Monastery and Secret Garden

For just $11, the opportunity to explore a 400-year-old cloister and secret garden filled with history and peace is hard to beat. The audio guide enriches the experience, offering insights into the lives of the cloistered nuns and their dedication.

While the building’s age and small steps may pose a challenge for some, the calm atmosphere and authentic setting make this a worthwhile stop. Visitors who appreciate quiet, spiritual spaces and historical architecture will find this tour both educational and refreshing.

The combination of history, natural beauty, and the chance to peek into a life of devotion give this experience a special charm that visitors will remember.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for this tour?
No specific age restrictions are mentioned, but the environment is quiet and the building is old, so young children should be supervised.

How long does the audio tour take?
The audio guide lasts approximately 40 minutes.

Can I visit the crypt?
Yes, the crypt is accessible during the visit and is the final resting place of some of the nuns.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
There are low stone steps at the entrance, so visitors with mobility concerns should call ahead for assistance.

Do I need to download any app?
Yes, to listen to the audio tour, you’ll download the free Mysterium Fidei app and scan QR codes at information points.

Are there guided tours available?
This experience is self-guided, with the audio tour being the main feature.

What languages is the tour offered in?
The audio is available in Maltese, English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Polish, and Russian.

Is there an option for a shorter visit?
Reading the information boards provides an edited summary if you prefer less detail.

What is the best time to visit?
The monastery is open during daytime hours, with no specific restrictions, so anytime during open hours is suitable.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby