Malta’s old capital city, behind its fortified walls, its timeless beauty has been attracting a lot of travellers where one can experience its 4000 years of existence. Mdina has different titles but its medieval name describes it best as ‘Citta Notabile’ – the noble city. In that days, Mdina hosted Malta’s noble families. This can be seen through its majestic palaces which line its narrow, shady streets. Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture which will snatch you away from the present and transport you back in time.

 

Mdina is known as the silent city because of its peaceful ambience. Lamp lit by night, the old city is fascinating to visit due to its timeless atmosphere as well as its cultural and heritage treasures. Given its history, Mdina’s entrances are one of the most remarkable entries to a city along with the oldest cities in Europe such as Rhodes.

 

Throughout its nobility and richness, Mdina offers visitors a modest vision that only few people can witness. You can dive back in time of elegance and timeless beauty and familiarize yourself with the real classic city.

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Sightseeing Sights

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The Mdina Cathedral

St Paul’s Cathedral was built in the 11th century and rebuilt in Baroque style in 1693 after suffering damage by an earthquake. You will find it easily following the streets of Mdina with the magnificent dome towers in sight until the central piazza. Inside there are gilded carvings, the beautiful chapels of the Blessed Sacrament, sculptures and paintings that represent the life of St Paul.

 

Palazzo Falzon

Also known as Norman house, this is a medieval building constructed in 1495 in Villegaignon Street. In this aristocratic mansion you will be able to see how the Maltese nobility lived and admire a fine collection of art, ceramics, paintings, lithographs, weaponry and other antiques.

 

Cathedral Museum

In this museum in Archbishop Square, you will see the treasures saved from the earthquake that partly destroyed the first Mdina cathedral: paintings, prints, woodcuts and drawings by the old masters. It also houses a coin collection with some 2,000-year-old items.

 

Palazzo Vilhena

Head to St Publius Square and enter the incredibly sculpted door of the palace to find the Museum of Natural History of Malta, displaying local fossils and wildlife. Beneath the Vilhena Palace, in the dungeons, you will see original torture instruments used in Malta from the Middle Ages until 1813.

 

The Bastion  

From the top of the walls, don’t you dare miss the panoramic view of the island of Malta.

 

The Mdina Experience

In Mesquita Square there is an audio visual show that tells the story of Malta’s former capital since its foundation. Ideally you should watch the presentation before visiting Mdina, so that you will completely understand the places you visit after.

 

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