Catacombs of Ta’ Mintna

The Ta ‘Mitina catacomb complex comprises three hypogea located on the southern edge of Mqabba. First documented by AA Caruana, their study is based on his work Rapport sur les antiquités phéniciennes et romaines dans le groupe d’îles de Malte, published in 1888. Caruana’s exploration of the catacombs began in 1860, when he descended the shaft giving access to the complex, in the company of Captain Strickland RN. Originally, the three hypogeums formed separate burial complexes, each with its own staircase facing SSW, presumably in relation to the ancient road. It was only in modern history that they were brought together to be exploited as shafts, a site already explored by Caruana and Strickland. This complex is distinguished by unique features in the catacomb structure. The central hypogeum is particularly renowned for its well-preserved triclinium, a rock-cut table for commemorative meals, and for the two rows of pyramidal lampholes facing it. The side hypogeums, meanwhile, are especially notable for their refined decoration, with some window tombs displaying elaborate ornamentation.