This article has been co-authored by Inma Álvarez (PilgriMaps) and Jean-Pierre Fava (VisitMalta).
The origin of this route does not lie in a designed project, but in an unforeseen episode: a shipwreck.
According to the account in the Acts of the Apostles, Paul of Tarsus arrived in Malta around the year 60 CE, after a storm diverted his journey toward Rome. It was neither a planned arrival nor an organized mission. It was an interruption. Yet this episode became one of the foundations of the island’s spiritual identity.
Today, the Peregrinatio Sancti Pauli 60 AD traces the sites that Maltese tradition associates with that event. Rather than reconstructing a historically precise route, it proposes a reading of the landscape in which geography, memory, and belief intersect.
The biblical text highlights a detail that has deeply shaped Maltese narrative: the hospitality of its inhabitants. Paul arrives as both prisoner and shipwreck survivor, in a state of complete vulnerability. The reception he receives—described as “unusual kindness”—not only addresses immediate need, but establishes a symbolic framework that has endured for centuries.
At its core, the route is structured around this idea: an island that transforms an accidental arrival into a meaningful encounter.
Selmun and St Paul’s Bay: The beginning of the route
The itinerary begins in Selmun, facing the St Paul’s Islands, in the area of St Paul’s Bay.
This initial stretch carries strong symbolic weight. The open coastline, the clear horizon, and the presence of the islets shape a landscape that invites reflection on the moment of arrival. It is not an archaeological reconstruction, but an interpretation of place as a point of contact between the biblical narrative and present-day geography.
Here, the walker enters the logic of the route: not a constructed path, but a tradition that has shaped the territory.
The first landmarks: Water, fire, and survival
In its early kilometers, the route connects several locations associated with the immediate aftermath of the shipwreck.
At Għajn Rażul, a spring traditionally linked to Paul’s arrival recalls the most immediate necessity: water, as a symbol of life and continuity. Further on, at San Pawl Tal-Ħġejjeġ, tradition situates the fire lit by the island’s inhabitants and the episode of the viper.
These places function not only as geographic points, but as symbolic settings marking the transition from vulnerability to recovery. In this section, the path is shaped by fragility.
San Pawl Milqi: The encounter with Publius
One of the most significant sites along the route is San Pawl Milqi, identified by tradition as the place where Paul was received by Publius, the island’s chief official.
The site presents notable archaeological richness, with remains spanning from pre-Roman periods to later agricultural structures. This layering of historical phases reinforces its value as a space of interpretation.
Within the narrative, this point marks a decisive shift: Paul ceases to be a castaway and becomes an active presence within the community.
From coast to interior: A gradual transition
As the route moves inland, the landscape changes. The sea recedes, and the environment becomes more agricultural and inhabited.
This shift is not only geographical. It reflects an evolution in the narrative: from the urgency of shipwreck to the stability of daily life. The pace of the route becomes more measured and reflective.
Mdina: The consolidation of memory
Arrival in Mdina, Malta’s former capital, introduces a new dimension. St Paul’s Cathedral, traditionally built on the site where the apostle is said to have encountered Publius, represents the transition from oral memory to institutional expression. Here, Christianity moves from episode to structure.
The urban setting—quiet and monumental—reinforces this sense of historical continuity.
Rabat: The Grotto and the interior space
The route concludes in Rabat, at St Paul’s Grotto. This site, deeply embedded in devotional tradition, is associated with Paul’s three-month stay described in Acts. The nearby catacombs add another layer, linking the apostolic narrative with early Christian presence on the island.
The subterranean nature of the space introduces a clear symbolic reading: the route culminates in an interior dimension, where experience is transformed into memory.
Between History and tradition
Not all elements of the itinerary can be historically verified with precision. While the identification of Malta with the “Melite” mentioned in the biblical account is widely accepted, specific details of the route remain subject to debate. However, the strength of the Peregrinatio lies not solely in archaeological accuracy, but in its ability to articulate a coherent tradition that has shaped Malta’s cultural landscape.
In recent years, the Peregrinatio Sancti Pauli 60 AD has been structured as a marked route, accessible to both pilgrims and travelers interested in history and cultural heritage. Its value lies not only in the physical journey, but in the opportunity to understand how an ancient episode has been reinterpreted, preserved, and transmitted as a living narrative.
Beyond historical data, the route suggests a broader reflection. The shipwreck that gives rise to the journey is not only an event of the past. It also functions as a universal metaphor: moments when life forces a change of course. Malta’s response—welcoming, rebuilding, assigning meaning—remains relevant today.
Practical tips for walking the Peregrinatio Sancti Pauli 60 AD
Duration and distance: Approximately 25–30 km in total. Can be completed in one long day or divided into two more gradual stages.
Difficulty level: Moderate. Combination of urban and rural sections, with no major elevation changes.
Best time: Autumn, winter, and spring. Avoid summer due to heat and limited shade.
Signposting: Well-marked for most of the route. Carrying a map or GPS track is advisable.
What to bring: Sufficient water (especially in rural stretches), sun protection, and comfortable footwear suitable for uneven terrain.
Keys to a More Meaningful Experience: Approach the route as more than a walk: pause at key sites and consider their context. Combine the walk with cultural visits (Mdina, Rabat, catacombs). Reading Acts 27–28 in advance can provide useful narrative background
This content comes to you in collaboration with VisitMalta.
This itinerary is a project developed by XirCammini in partnership with, and with the support of, VisitMalta. XirCammini assists individuals and groups interested in walking the Caminos, offering guidance and practical support throughout the journey. For further information, enquiries can be directed to [email protected] or via WhatsApp at +35679046942. XirCammini is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the development, maintenance, and promotion of historical, faith-related walking routes in Malta and across Europe. It is registered as a Voluntary Organisation (VO1646) with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations in Malta.
