Guided Tour- Valletta Monastery and Secret Garden

Exploring Valletta’s Hidden Monastery and Secret Garden: An Authentic Insight

Our review of the guided tour of Valletta’s Monastery and Secret Garden offers a rare glimpse into a world few travelers get to see. This experience is particularly compelling because it combines history, spirituality, and exclusivity in one small package.

What we love most about this tour is its unique access to spaces normally off-limits, such as the nuns’ visitor room and the Chapel of St Catherine. The serene atmosphere of the cloisters and secret garden transports you away from the busy streets of Valletta, creating a peaceful moment of reflection. Plus, the knowledgeable licensed guide brings the history and stories of the nuns to life, making the experience both educational and deeply personal. Lastly, the compact duration of just about 90 minutes makes it an easy add-on to a day exploring Malta.

One potential consideration is the limited group size — the tour is private, which is excellent for personalized attention, but it also means booking early is essential. Also, as the tour involves walking through historic spaces and crypts, travelers with mobility issues should check accessibility beforehand.

This tour suits history enthusiasts, those interested in religious life, or travelers craving something more intimate and authentic than the typical tourist spots. If you’re looking for a peaceful, insightful, and visually stunning experience, this tour will likely meet your expectations.

Good To Know

• Exclusive access to areas not open to the public, including the nuns’ visitor room and Chapel of St Catherine
• Rich storytelling from a licensed Malta guide who reveals the life of cloistered nuns over 400 years
• Beautiful, peaceful setting away from Valletta’s bustling streets, featuring cloisters, crypt, and secret garden
• Short but meaningful 1.5-hour tour that fits easily into a busy Malta itinerary
• Limited group size ensures a personalized experience, but requires early booking
• Cost-effective at just over $24 per person, offering significant value for the exclusive access and insights gained

In-Depth Review of the Valletta Monastery and Secret Garden Tour

Starting Point & Logistics

The tour begins at the Mysterium Fidei Museum located on St. Christopher’s Street in Valletta, which is easily accessible via public transportation or on foot if you’re wandering through the city. Meeting at 2:00 pm, the group is kept small and private, ensuring you receive personalized attention. The mobile ticket system adds convenience and minimizes hassle on the day.

Tour Duration & Structure

With a duration of around 90 minutes, the tour is well-paced—long enough to explore the key areas without feeling rushed. It’s a private experience, meaning you won’t have to contend with large crowds or noisy groups. This intimacy enhances your ability to absorb the stories and ask questions.

What You’ll See & Experience

Stop 1: Mysterium Fidei & Cloisters
Walking through the small, unassuming door into the cloisters is like stepping back in time. You’ll get an authentic sense of the silence and humility that has characterized this place for over 400 years. The guide will explain how these cloisters served as a spiritual refuge for the nuns and reveal details about their secluded way of life.

Secret Garden & Crypt
The garden is a quiet oasis—an unexpected patch of greenery amid the stone walls of Valletta. It’s a rare chance to see a historical garden that’s been hidden for centuries. The crypt, where the nuns are buried, offers a solemn space filled with stories of devotion, loss, and history.

Exclusive Access & Private Spaces
The tour’s highlight is visiting areas not open to the general public, like the nuns’ visitor room and the Chapel of St Catherine. These spaces provide a rare, intimate peek into the religious life of the sisters, and visitors can appreciate the serenity and simplicity of their spiritual environment.

Guidance & Commentary

Your guide, a licensed Malta expert, narrates with clarity and enthusiasm. They share stories that bring the history of the nuns to life—details about their humble lifestyle, their routines, and the reasons why these spaces remained hidden for so long. One reviewer, Simone, described the experience as “a very interesting glimpse into the lives of cloistered nuns,” emphasizing its peacefulness.

Additional Insights from Reviews

Reviewers note that the tour offers more than just sightseeing; it’s an immersive educational experience. They appreciated that the guide explained the significance of each space, making it meaningful rather than superficial. The quiet, contemplative atmosphere was especially valued, with one reviewer mentioning it as “a calm way to spend part of a hot summer afternoon.”

Price & Value

At just over $24 per person, the tour provides extraordinary value considering the exclusive access and detailed storytelling. The fee covers the admission to the spaces and the expertise of the guide, which makes it a worthwhile choice for travelers wanting a more personal and authentic experience.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This experience is ideal for those interested in history, religion, and authentic cultural encounters. It suits travelers seeking a peaceful retreat from the busy streets of Valletta while still wanting a meaningful insight into Malta’s spiritual side. The limited capacity and private format make it perfect for couples, small groups, or solo travelers who prefer a more intimate setting.

If you prefer large-group tours or are on a tight schedule, keep in mind that early booking is crucial to secure a spot. Also, this tour might be less suitable for travelers with mobility restrictions, as it involves walking through historic spaces and crypts.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
While the tour is generally appropriate for most ages, children should be comfortable with walking and quiet environments. The focus on history and spirituality might resonate more with older kids or teenagers.

What should I wear?
As it involves entering religious spaces, modest clothing is advisable. Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking through cloisters and crypts.

Can I take photos during the tour?
The tour’s details don’t specify photography policies, but given the private nature of some spaces, it’s best to ask your guide on-site about taking photos.

Are there any physical restrictions?
The tour involves walking through historic spaces, including crypts, so those with mobility issues should check in advance. Elevators or ramps are not mentioned.

How do I book this tour?
Booking is via the provided link, with most travelers booking around 10 days in advance. Early reservation ensures you don’t miss out, especially since the tour is limited and private.

What makes this tour different from other Valletta tours?
Unlike general walking tours, this one offers exclusive access to a secret, centuries-old monastery and gardens, giving a rare, behind-the-scenes look at a religious community.

What can I expect in terms of group size?
Since it’s a private experience, only your group participates, which allows for a tailored and undisturbed exploration of the spaces.

This guided tour of Valletta’s Monastery and Secret Garden offers a unique opportunity to experience Malta’s spiritual and historical heritage intimately. It’s perfect for curious travelers eager to go beyond the usual sights and discover a quiet, contemplative side of Valletta that few get to see.