Rabat evolved as the suburb of Mdina, the ancient capital of Malta. In ancient times burial inside the city was prohibited and this accounts for the various catacombs which are to be found in Rabat today. In the catacombs of St. Paul and of St. Agatha one finds many tombs of the early Christian era of various shapes and sizes.

Most probably the Museum of Roman Antiquities is the best known place of interest in the Rabat area. This museum which was formerly known as the Roman Villa houses most of the remains which were found from the Roman domination of the islands. Things such as olive crushers used in the manufacture of oil, mosaics, stone and marble statues, as well as glass and potterware from that period are on show. It is believed that during his stay in the island in 60 AD, the apostle Paul lived in a cave upon which the present day parish church was erected.