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
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.
Options
Mysterium Fidei Monastery & Secret Garden in Valletta
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
272 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Come away to a quiet place and rest awhile.
matthewsQ5622QS,Jun 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The staff on duty were very welcoming and showed a great deal of empathy when I told them the reasons for my visit. Namely, that I had lost my sister Catherine to Cancer and so wanted to quietly remember her at The Monastery of Saint Catherine whilst on my visit to Malta. The Secret Garden is truly an Oasis in the midst of the business and buzz of Valetta. If anyone wants a quiet, cool and contemplative space whilst on Malta, St Catherine's is the place to go.
Very calm place
NLCA NLCA,Jun 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing place, very calm, great experience. Interesting history behind. Good to see the "secret garden" and the rooms where the nums were installed in the past... Well received by the recepcionista. Great place to recover the peace. It is surprising to see such a calm place in the middle of a very active city.
Tranquil and very interesting
Abigailcat5,Jun 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The nunnery was the most beautiful and interesting place. Tranquil. Learning about the lives of the nuns who lived and died there. Very special
Very warm welcome.
Jullian R,May 25, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Very warm welcome, clear explanations, and very friendly staff. We were even accompanied between the two sites of visits! Free audio guide in your language by downloading the app.
Beautiful
kathleenhC987OO,May 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A beautiful oasis of tranquility with history. A must when you are in Malta.
An extremely interesting and thoroughly worthwhile experience.
N7172XYcatherinec,May 22, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An extremely interesting and thoroughly worthwhile experience. The various rooms are laid out well with lots of information on the activities carried out in them and the secret garden is not to be missed. Staff are very friendly and knowledgeable.
A relaxing and peaceful place.......
Downsviewduo,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00My wife and I visited the Mysterium Fidei Museum in Valletta during a recent holiday, and it was well worth doing. Its a very relaxing and peaceful experience, and it's great how they have managed to bring the place to life. A visit won't last much longer than an hour, but the entrance price reflects this and represents good value. Highly recommended.
Super creepy. Would skip
Lisa M,May 20, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00This place was creepy. Like- deeply creepy. I would not go back and would not recommend it. The control rooms are so gross- and the fact that this place was a female orphanage while the nuns would do these practices on little girls makes it extra creepy.
Enjoying the cats
Kristina C,May 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was perfect, the garden with cats.
A Wonderful Glimpse Into a Different Way of Life
LoveTravel795039,May 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.008 Euros very well spent! My wife and I visited today and loved it. It felt like a wonderful privilege to be allowed a glimpse of life in a closed order - of where and how the nuns, lived and worked. We were also extremely lucky to have met Manuel, who was extraordinarily generous in showing us around and answering our questions. Manuel, we wish you, your sister and the community all the very best and especially all best wishes for a continued life for the community for the future. Noel & Suzy Hanchard
Related Experiences
Operated by Mysterium Fidei By Hidden Valletta