The Maltese Islands hold a layered history of burial traditions spanning over 5,000 years. From the silent rock-cut tombs of the Phoenicians to the grand Victorian monuments of Ta' Braxia, these sites offer a unique glimpse into the lives and deaths of those who shaped our islands.
Plague & Quarantine Cemeteries
These sites were born out of necessity during the outbreaks of 1592, 1675, and 1813. Often located in isolated areas or within "sanitary cordons" to prevent the spread of contagion.
- Plague Cemeteries Hub - Our detailed guide to all plague-specific sites.
- Xagħra Plague Cemetery (Gozo): Established in 1814 for the 104 victims of the local epidemic.
- Ta’ Wied Għammieq Cemetery: Kalkara The cemetery became a major burial site during the 1837 cholera epidemic in Malta, with approximately 855 victims buried there.
- Cimiterju tal-Infetti: Cospicua Outbreak: 1675–1676 Great Plague. Still survives
- Manoel Island (Lazzaretto): Burial grounds for those who perished while in quarantine.
Major Heritage & Multi-Faith Cemeteries
Malta's colonial history and central Mediterranean position led to the creation of beautiful garden-style cemeteries for various faiths.
- Ta' Braxia Cemetery (Pietà): A Victorian-era multi-faith cemetery designed by E.L. Galizia. It includes an early Jewish section and the famous Lady Rachel Hamilton-Gordon chapel.
- Addolorata Cemetery (Paola): The largest and most ornate Neo-Gothic cemetery in Malta, also designed by Galizia.
- Msida Bastion Cemetery and Historic Garden(Floriana): A former Protestant cemetery (1806–1856) housing the remains of Mikiel Anton Vassalli.
Village Cemeteries
Plague cemeteries are in a different group some cemeteries are in both groups
- Balzan Cemetery - Balzan
- St Lawrence Cemetery - Birgu
- Għargħur Cemetery - Għargħur
- Għaxaq Cemetery - Għaxaq
- Kirkop Cemetery, Kirkop
- Lija Cemetery - Lija
- Luqa Cemetery - Luqa
- St Anthony's Cemetery - Rabat
- Sta Margerita Cemetery - Rabat
- Qalb ta' Ġesù Cemetery, Żebbuġ
- Sant Andrija Cemetery, Żebbuġ
- St. Catherine's Cemetery, Żejtun
- St. Gregory's Cemetery, Żejtun
- St. Rocco Cemetery, Żejtun
Comino Cemetery
Gozo Cemeteries
Jewish Cemeteries
Military & Commonwealth War Graves
As the "Nurse of the Mediterranean" during WWI and a fortress during WWII, Malta is the final resting place for thousands of service members.
- Capuccini Naval Cemetery (Kalkara): A significant site for Royal Navy personnel and their families.
- Imtarfa Military Cemetery: Located near the former military hospital, serving British forces stationed in the center of the island.
- Pembroke Military Cemetery: Serving the garrison town of Pembroke and North Malta.
- Pietà Military Cemetery: One of Malta’s most important Commonwealth war grave cemeteries and a lasting memorial to the casualties of the First and Second World Wars.
- Rinella Military Cemetery: Rinella Military Cemetery was one of the historic British military burial grounds established in Kalkara, Malta during the period of British rule.
Destroyed / Lost Heritage
Fort Chambray Lost CemeteriesAncient Burial Sites & Catacombs
Before modern cemeteries, the Maltese buried their dead in elaborate rock-cut underground complexes.
- St. Paul’s Catacombs (Rabat): A sprawling labyrinth of Phoenician and Roman burials.
- Ħal Saflieni Hypogeum: A prehistoric underground necropolis dating back to 4000 BC.
Cemeteries in Malta FAQ
What is the largest cemetery in Malta?
The Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery in Paola is the largest, known for its stunning Neo-Gothic architecture and landscape.
Can I visit British military cemeteries in Malta?
Yes, most Commonwealth War Grave sites like Capuccini and Imtarfa are open to the public and meticulously maintained.