Rabat (Maltese: Ir-Rabat, [ɪrˈrɐbɐt]) is a town in the Western Region of Malta, with a population of 11,497 as of March 2014.

The Apostolic Nunciature of the Holy See to the Republic of Malta is seated in this village.

[2] The Arabic term Ribat refers to a small fortification to host military volunteers.

[5] Mdina and parts of Rabat were built on top of the ancient Roman city of Melite.

The Maltese catacombs were never meant to be hiding places during persecutions or as living quarters.