Underground Valletta: The Hidden Side of Malta’s Capital

05/03/2026

When expats move to Malta or tourists visit the island, they often admire Valletta's golden streets, baroque architecture, and stunning sea views. But beneath the capital lies a hidden world few people truly know about.

Underground Valletta tells a fascinating story of engineering, war, religion, and mystery.

The Mysterious Tunnel to the Manoel Theatre

According to local legend, the Inquisitor of Malta would travel through an underground tunnel from his palace in Vittoriosa to a secret chamber beneath the Manoel Theatre.

There, he could watch performances unseen, seated on an armchair that today can be found at the San Anton Gardens.

Although this tunnel has never been officially discovered, the story remains one of Valletta's most intriguing folktales.

The Chapel of Bones – Fact, Not Fiction

Unlike the legendary tunnel, the Chapel of Bones is historically documented.

Architect Edward Said believes the crypt still lies buried underground near the remains of the Nibbia Chapel in Valletta. Many people confuse the two, but they are not the same.

The Chapel of Bones was built underground near the Holy Infirmary of the Knights of St John.
The Nibbia Chapel, built by Knight Giorgio Nibbia, was a separate funerary chapel.
Part of the Nibbia Chapel remains visible today in the Evans Building parking area.

In Victorian times, decorating crypts with bones was common in Europe. The Chapel of Bones even became a popular tourist attraction before it was closed in the early 20th century and eventually buried under new roads after World War II.

For expats living in Malta, this is one of those hidden stories that makes the island even more fascinating.

Valletta's Underground Railway Station

One of the most popular underground features is the former Valletta railway station, located beneath City Gate.

When Malta's railway service ended in 1931, the underground station was transformed several times:

An underground cinema
A proposed ice-skating rink
An air-raid shelter for 5,000 people during World War II
A garage
And today, parliamentary archives and conference rooms

It's a perfect example of how Valletta's underground adapted to the needs of its people over time.

The Most Fascinating Feature: Valletta's Sewage System

Surprisingly, the most impressive underground feature may not be tunnels or crypts — but the sewage system.

When the Knights of St John built Valletta on Mount Sceberras, they designed an innovative drainage system similar to that of Rome.

Engineers also required wells beneath homes to:

Store water for daily use
Provide backup supplies during sieges

The biggest challenge? Valletta's topography, with five valleys crossing the peninsula.

Interestingly, the contractors of this massive project were Maltese craftsmen. The Knights relied heavily on local expertise and knowledge of Maltese limestone and building techniques.

Later, the British upgraded the system, introducing pumps to redirect drainage flow.

For history-loving expats and curious travelers, this hidden infrastructure reveals the remarkable planning behind Malta's capital.

Myths, Passageways & Urban Legends

Valletta's underground has always sparked imagination.

Some believe there are secret passageways leading to Tigné Fort and Manoel Island. Others claim that enormous rats or even crocodiles live beneath the city.

While no evidence supports these stories, they remain part of Malta's rich folklore.

What Expats and Tourists Can Explore Today

If you're an expat living in Malta or visiting the island, exploring Valletta's underground history adds a completely different dimension to your experience.

Beyond beaches and nightlife, Malta offers:

War shelters
Historical crypts
Underground chambers
Engineering marvels
Untold stories beneath the capital

It's one of the most unique things to do in Malta — especially if you want to go beyond the typical tourist route.

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