Mysterium Fidei Monastery & Secret Garden in Valletta
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
Only recently opened to the public, Mysterium Fidei is ‘hidden’ away on a quiet corner on St Christopher Street and Strait Street.
Visitors often stumble upon our door whilst exploring Valletta.
Often, simply curious to see what lies behind the walls of the Monastery, visitors are then immersed into the fascinating history whilst appreciating the architecture and experiencing the quiet serenity of the cloisters. Visitors can see how the nuns lived, in a totally authentic setting.
Cloistered nuns lived a life closed off from the outside world so they had to be self sufficient. Even until today the chickens lay eggs and fruit and vegetables are grown in the garden.
Built with self sustainability in mind there are seven wells dotted around the monastery. Rainwater is collected from the roofs.
Mimi the monastery cat, often welcomes visitors personally and happily walks around listening to the audio tour before finding a sunny spot in the garden providing a popular photo opportunity.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Mysterium Fidei
Mysterium Fidei is a multi sensory experience located within St Catherine’s Monastery, in the heart of Valletta. The door to the Secret Garden has been closed to the public for over 400 years, it is now open for you to enter this tranquil space and take a glimpse into the lives of the cloistered nuns. When joining the monastery, the nuns took vows never to leave. They lived a self-sustainable life closed away from the outside world. You can see the original, authentic kitchens, bedrooms, washrooms and even visit the crypt, their final resting place. The enclosed garden is a rarity in Valletta, here you can escape the hustle and bustle of the busy Valletta streets and experience the peace and serenity of this hidden oasis. Mysterium Fidei is a unique, must see, experience. It gives visitors the opportunity to learn the history, appreciate the architecture, enjoy the peaceful surroundings and contemplate the lives of the women who chose the life of the cloistered nun.
What‘s Included
Free audio tour
Meeting points
Mysterium Fidei
140, St. Christopher Street Valletta Malta
End points
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
Options
Mysterium Fidei Monastery & Secret Garden in Valletta
Reviews
238 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
It doesn't matter if you don't see it
sofin895,,Jan 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The place was a monastery housing orphaned girls. The nuns never came out of the monastery walls. There is not much to see for the visitor. A beautiful garden with a statue in the middle, the spaces that floated and cooked, the dormitories of the nuns with a sound background of prayers and the space that buried the nuns. If it weren't for the ticket combined with the Black Friars Experience I'd cry my money.
No need to belt move
Y7210FEval rieb,,Jan 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Tiny garden that cannot and never could feed the residents of the cloister. We pass rooms that have been arranged for the visit but nothing authentic. The only interesting things such as rainwater use are mentioned but not shown or explained. It's not worth the trip or the 10 euros.
St. Catherine's Monastery & Secret Garden
Skeney57,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00We did the monastery visit as part of the Black Friars experience and found it to be an interesting interlude. You only get to view the lower levels of the monastery as it's still an active convent with the nuns that are left still in seclusion behind the closed doors on the upper levels. The levels show how it was run and worked back in the day. With examples of the bedrooms & living quarters, the kitchens, workspaces and even the burial crypt that was the Nuns final resting place which meant that once they entered the convent they never left, spooky but fascinating to see that level of devotion. The private chapels have been closed to the public for over 300 years, so it was an interesting visit.
Well worth a visit
O5033CUjacqueliner,,Nov 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing experience and great value for 8 euros. An interesting insight into the lives of the nuns. Gardens were beautiful and my 8 year old daughter loved seeing the 3 kittens. Would definitely recommend to family and friends.
Hidden gem away from the hustle & bustle
PhilS16,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved this place, so peaceful and interesting about the daily life of the nuns with the ground floor showing how they lived since the monastery was started 500 years ago and their secret garden with a fountain. The nuns still live there but are on the floors above. Only €8 and well worth a visit, takes approx 45 minutes to look around.
Wonderful
181612345,,Oct 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing!! A wonderful insite into how these dehote nuns lived their lives away from the world. Beautiful garden. Well laid out information
Hidden gem
92075,,Oct 20, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Tucked away down a narrow street, currently partially obscured by scaffolding from neighbouring properties, this was an unexpected hidden gem. The very helpful cashier encouraged me to download the app for the audio tour, but I quickly realized that it was just telling me exactly the same as I was reading on the poster. I have visited similar convents in the past but this one certainly made an impression in particular, the area where the nuns are buried and the wooden death bed. Quite thought provoking. The small garden, complete with fountain and turtles, was a welcome oasis on a hot day. There are chairs dotted around corridors for contemplation.
A gem in a busy capital
chk210,,Oct 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff are very friendly and helpful. Very impressed with the audio guide available at both places. The small garden at the monastery was full of herb aroma, an amazing place to rest and reflect in a busy capital.
Very enjoyable
AnnH59,,Oct 13, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Visited here yesterday and thoroughly enjoyed it. The little garden was lovely with a fountain in the centre and a couple of turtles. There is plenty of information and the ability to scan a code and have audio information.
Nice if you have extra time in Valletta
CydnHank,,Oct 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Interesting detour from the crowds of Valletta. Takes about an hour to visit the lower area of the convent, which is open to the public, and listen to a nice audio tour of the rooms. Upper floors are still occupied and the nuns remain secluded from the outside world.
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