Treasures below the ground

Abstract

The catacombs of St Agatha in Rabat lie beneath a chapel that also bears its patron's name. They are not only important landmarks in the history of Catholic culture in the Maltese islands but are also home to priceless murals and frescoes that decorate the walls.

While the frescoes had fallen into a state of disrepair, Brother Dominic Borg, curator of St Agatha's Crypt and Catacombs Museum, George Farrugia and Alfred Attard Micallef carried out the restoration works. Thanks to their interventions, frescoes that had faded and altered due to climate conditions and previous restoration attempts, returned to their former glory.