Tours/Valletta/Visit both Mysterium Fidei and Valletta Black Friars Experience
Viator

Visit both Mysterium Fidei and Valletta Black Friars Experience

4.9(41)Valletta1 hour
VIATOR4.3(3)TRIPADVISOR4.9(38)

Description

Experience Hidden Valletta with a visit to two unique museums located off the beaten track in the bustling city of Valletta. First, visit Mysterium Fidei with its secret garden within the walls of a 450-year-old monastery. The cloister was closed to the public for over 450 years, but is now open for you to discover. Escape the hustle and bustle of Valletta’s vibrant city and enjoy the peace within the cloisters. Just a two-minute stroll away, visit The Black Friars Experience. The museum and private chapels are located within the priory of the Dominican order. The Dominicans have worked within the Valletta community for centuries. Learn about the part they played in the building of the Valletta we see today. Visit the beautiful Basilica of St Dominic, adorned with works of art and priceless artefacts. An audio Tour is available at Mysterium Fidei. Written Information and video are available at Black Friars

Tour Options

Visit both Mysterium Fidei and Valletta Black Friars Experience

Itinerary

Admission included30 min

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.

30 min

The Black Friars Experience. The museum and private chapels are located within the priory of the Dominican order. The Dominicans have worked within the Valletta community for centuries. Learn about the part they played in the building of the Valletta we see today. Visit the beautiful Basilica of St Dominic, adorned with works of art and priceless artefacts.

Highlights

Free audio tour

What's included

Included
Free audio tour

Traveller Ratings

4.9
41 reviews
5
37
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3
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Important Information

  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(41)

I
I3444ALjohnd
July 3, 2026
Must see

Both places are amazing! A must see if you're in Valetta Whether you're religious or not, the history is fascinating - I've never took so many photo's Also, the turtle in the fountain is really funny Manwel was very hospitable and really helpful Can't recommend these attractions enough

V
veronicalhb
June 15, 2026
A historical must

Both places are well conserved and full of history. It is truly a good experience and it is fascinating that both locations are still in use to this day. Bonus for the local cat that is a sweetheart

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words, we are glad that you enjoyed the place !

S
Stephanie_W
June 4, 2026
Mysterium Fidei & Black Friars Self-Guided Tours

THE MYSTERIUM FIDEI & BLACK FRIARS ATE SELF-LEAD TOURS: THERE IS NO TOUR GUIDE. Nothing in the description advised of this, leading to fruitless calls for information. Once inside, the attractions were historically informative. The inner gardens of the Mysterium Fidei were absolutely lovely! I was gratified that the tour acknowledged how many girls were consigned to MF against their wills for economic reasons, rather than perpetuate the myth that they were all devout. I would recommend it for the history, the gardens, and the resident cats.

Operator response

Thank you for your review, we took note of it! Hoping that the audio guide available for all the visitors was helpful.

R
Roving696005
May 19, 2026
Amazing experience

A beautiful garden and amazing experience in the middle of Valetta. The monastery is still working and you can feel the unique atmosphere of nuns' life. Worth to visit.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words, we are glad that you enjoyed the place !

D
Don T
May 6, 2026
Hidden Gems with no crowds

Truly a hidden gem. First we went to the Monastery. Solemn. Simple lifestyle. Eye opening 2nd stop - the Black Friars experience in the Basilica. Eye opening! Over the top. NO CROWDS! Give it a try!

1 people found this helpful
Operator response

Thank you for your very kind review

R
Resort34253479393
April 30, 2026
Well worth the visits.

These two experiences were well worth the visits to see how both the nuns and friars lived. Easy to find with friendly staff.

Operator response

Thank you for your visit and kind review!

M
Michael B
April 21, 2026
Both sites are part of Maltas hidden history

The Mysterium Fidei is an oasis of calm in a very busy world. And very Indian for a nunnery

Operator response

Thank you for your kind words

R
Rubicondo L
April 14, 2026
Good discovery

Very nice visit, quiet place, with a beautiful garden (which feels good in a city where there is so little greenery)! I recommend this small museum!

Operator response

Thank you for your kind review

I
Inspiration541181
April 13, 2026
Relaxing

Soothing and cultural experience

Operator response

Thank you for your kind review

A
A8500XGtiffanyd
April 13, 2026
Visit

Nice visit very informative. Quiet place, relaxing and full of history.

Operator response

Thank you for your kind review

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