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
254 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Quiet, Peaceful Sanctuary
Jean L,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Beautiful historic, well maintained building. Interesting history. Price is good for what this tour is. Not busy at all so you can just take you time. The gardens are pretty. It was just a soothing place to take a moment.
Very interesting insight
nickm366,Apr 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An intriguing insight into life behind these closed doors. What an incredible place! As you walk off the street into the building the instant cool calm and quiet is amazing. An easy stroll around the single floor of the monastery guided by the information on the straight forward app download via QR. Well worth a visit particularly on a hot day.
Worth a visit
dackan,Apr 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great little find. It was very close to my hotel so decided to give it a go. Fascinating to see how the monastery runs, and see little bit of history.
Interesting Valletta secret
Alison h,Apr 15, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This for us was an absolute secret discovery. We have visited Valetta many times and had never known about the gardens. The experience from start to finished was very well laid out and the description boards gave you enough information about what you were about to view next. Ps we never did see the turtle. Well worth a visit next time you are in Valletta
Quiet time
vato uk,Apr 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Went during our stay in malta ,lots of information boards about the life of the nuns around the courtyard ,very serene place to visit ,beautiful garden and seen a cat and I had a quiet moment watching the turtle ,a vast differance to the hustle and bustle outside the walls .
A really nice quiet gem in the city, interesting to see how they lived.
Megan B,Apr 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00This is a really interesting place to visit and if you bring your own headphones there is an audio tour which is good (signs everywhere if not). The only thing I found was that it was a little small for the price but I would still recommended a visit!
A must see when you are in Valletta.
Travel68278460704,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A must thing to do. It was so lovely. Meet two lovely people at the desk and we were introduced to a lovely man. So sorry we have forgotten his name. Talked to us with great insight about the monastery. We also seen the monastery cat and seen the turtle. Who were both very cute. Did not want to leave.
Happiness and disappointment
ermannob789,Apr 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Valletta is a beautiful city rich in history, a must see. Its museums are fantastic and the welcome is very hospitable. Be careful not to choose BeB. Human contacts zero, difficulty accessing the rooms with all those keys and contraptions for which you are not even warned, negative surprises in the rooms.... you have already paid and you do not see anyone... Lights, noises and mosquitoes you keep them! Take comfort in the Rabbit, but beware of the price of wine! It has become the most expensive drink ever!
Lovely and thought provoking
23katyp,Mar 16, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was a lovely evening experience with some thought provoking features which really opens your eyes to what living in a monastery involved. The secret garden is beautiful and smelt delightful from the fresh herbs and flowers! Resident cats and turtles were so adorable too! Such a hidden beauty in Valletta.
Definitely Worth Visiting
KarlMccc,Mar 13, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Its a nice place to relax in the garden and to learn about the history of the place. Its defintiely worth your time to stop by and give your support!
From €10.00
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