The Way of Saint Paul in Malta is a privileged vantage point into early Christian history, retracing the steps of the Apostle during his unexpected arrival on the archipelago around the year 60. According to the Acts of the Apostles [27; 28], Paul, most probably along with Luke the Evangelist (the latter wrote as an observer), was shipwrecked in Malta on their way to Rome, marking a pivotal moment in the archipelago’s history. Modern pilgrims can now walk the paths that, according to tradition, weave together the key sites where Paul left a lasting mark on this side of Mediterranean.
XirCammini, a voluntary, non-profit, non-denominational, and non-sectarian membership organization, has been instrumental in creating the Peregrinatio Sancti Pavli AD 60 Project in collaboration with the Malta Tourism Authority and the participation of Heritage Malta. XirCammini’s mission is to research and promote knowledge about pilgrimages, hiking, and faith travel, particularly focusing on ancient routes across Europe. By walking the Sancti Pauli walk, pilgrims follow in Paul’s footsteps, discovering Malta’s historical pilgrimage paths – an enriching spiritual and cultural experience.
The walk features several key sites, with the Islets of Saint Paul, near Saint Paul’s Bay, standing out as one of the most significant. According to tradition, this is where Paul’s ship ran aground. With its views of Saint Paul’s Islets, the bay is a revered site, marking the place where Paul and his companions miraculously survived the perilous storm described in Acts 27.
Close to the bay is the church of San Pawl tal-Ħġejjeġ – the church that solemnly commemorates Paul’s shipwreck. From there, the route leads to San Pawl Milqi (meaning “the welcoming of Saint Paul”), where it is believed that Paul met Publius, the then Roman Protos of Malta. The Book of Acts registers the moment when Paul healed Publius’ father from a serious illness. This site (and this event) marks a critical moment in the establishment of Christian faith on the archipelago, setting the foundation for Malta’s long-standing Christian tradition.

Indeed, Publius, the first Maltese saint to be canonized, is referred to in the Acts of the Apostles as the “chief” or ruler of the archipelago (Maltese: il-prinċep tal-gżira). Maltese Christian tradition understands his conversion played a key role in the establishment of Malta as the first Christian nation in the Western world – Publius himself being the first bishop of the archipelago. Publius’ role in the early Christian community on the archipelago solidified Malta’s status as a significant hub for the growing Christian faith.
Another key stop on the pilgrimage is Salini, where visitors can explore Paleo-Christian catacombs. These ancient burial sites highlight the early Christian presence in the Mediterranean and offer a glimpse into the lives of the first believers in the archipelago. The route also includes Mosta, home to the chapel of Saint Paul of Thebes. This chapel, built on a natural cave above the Wied il-Ghasel (“Valley of Honey”, in English) honors a Coptic Christian hermit bearing the same name as the apostle. The chapel is said to have been built in 1656, on the site of an older one of unknown date. This humble building adds to the spiritual resonance of the pilgrimage, drawing together different strands of Christian history, and different Christian traditions.
The journey culminates in Mdina, the old capital of Malta, which was once the seat of Roman power on the archipelago. It is in Mdina, “the Silent city,” that the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul is located, a site that has long been associated with Malta’s ecclesiastical history: According to tradition, the house of Publius once stood here, making it the possible location of Malta’s first bishopric see. Mdina’s ancient streets echo with the influence of Saint Paul, who transformed the archipelago’s spiritual landscape during his brief yet decisive stay.
Saint Paul’s Grotto in Rabat is another essential site for pilgrims on the Way of Saint Paul. This humble cave, believed to be where Paul resided and preached during his time in Malta, offers a space for quiet contemplation. Above the grotto, the Church of Saint Paul stands as a monument to the Apostle’s enduring legacy in Malta, drawing visitors from (literally) all over the world. The grotto and its surroundings provide a tangible connection to Paul’s ministry, where he healed the sick and spread the message of the Gospel to the Maltese people.
The pilgrimage can extend into Valletta, Malta’s current capital. The Collegiate Parish Church of Saint Paul Shipwrecked in Valletta is a must-see, dedicated as it is to commemorate the apostle’s miraculous survival and ministry on the archipelago. This church also houses relics of Saint Paul. Nearby, the Anglican Pro-Cathedral of Saint Paul also serves as a reminder of the island’s unified Christian history, where various Christian denominations continue to revere the Apostle’s figure.
A smaller yet immensely significant site lies in Bormla. Here, according to tradition, Paul embarked on his final journey to Rome from Malta, completing the physical and spiritual path that began with his shipwreck.
But who was this man whose brief stay left such an indelible mark? Paul, formerly known as Saul of Tarsus, was once a zealous persecutor of Christians before his dramatic conversion on the road to Damascus. After meeting the resurrected Christ, Paul became one of the most passionate apostles, dedicating his life to spreading the Good News across the Roman Empire. His extensive travels and tireless evangelization are recorded in the Acts of the Apostles, much of which was written by his close companion and personal secretary – Luke the Evangelist. Luke’s detailed and scientific account of Paul’s shipwreck and ministry in Malta reveals a man of unwavering faith, whose resilience and dedication would change the archipelago’s (and the world’s) history.
Today, pilgrims walking the Way of Saint Paul trace the steps of the apostle, discovering the early roots of Christianity on the archipelago. Indeed, the Peregrinatio Sancti Pavli AD 60 Project offers modern pilgrims the opportunity to dive into the rich Christian heritage of Malta, walking in the footsteps of Paul and visiting the sites that shaped the archipelago’s spiritual identity. From the serene shores of Saint Paul’s Bay to the historic heart of Mdina, the Way of Saint Paul is a historical journey that resonates with themes of faith, hospitality, and divine providence. As pilgrims meditate on Paul’s miraculous survival and ministry, they also bear witness to the enduring legacy of Christianity on the Maltese archipelago – a legacy that inspires believers from around the world.