The fortified city of Mdina was the original capital city of Malta under the Phoenicians and then the Romans. The city was previously known as Melita and Medina, but current-day Mdina is the fortified city on the hill. Mdina is also known as “The Silent City” with less than 300 residents living there today. Walking through the quiet streets alight with street lamps in the evening is truly a step back in time.
Mdina is also called 'Citta Notabile' or 'The Noble City.' It has been the traditional home of more prominent Maltese families ' and continues to be so today.
A permanent settlement has been on this hill since the 8th Century BC. Just outside the city wall today, you can visit an ancient Roman home with tiled floors and fascinating archaeological finds. Mdina remained the capital of Malta until the Knights of St. John moved the capital to Birgu overlooking the Grand Harbour in 1530.
It is also said that in 60AD, the Apostle St. Paul lived in Mdina after he was shipwrecked on the islands. His time in Malta was the introduction of Christianity on a large-scale in the islands, a cultural tradition that continues prominently today.
Mdina: The Citta Notabile
Mdina has regularly been home to the noble families of Malta. Some of these families were descendants of the Norman, Sicilian, and Spanish overlords.
From the 12th Century onward, Mdina was filled with these noble family homes. Impressive palaces lined narrow shaded streets inside the walled fortress. As you enter Mdina through the main city gate, it feels like a step back into the medieval age.
The bastions of Mdina overlook the island from the top of the hill, providing expansive views and, in earlier times, offering plenty of protection to the noble residents of this capital city.
Mdina today
Today, Mdina is one of the top places to visit for tourists. Its rich history and prominent central location on the island attracts visitors throughout the year.
The city's beautiful and unusual mix of Norman and Baroque architecture provides plenty to marvel at as you wander the streets. Weddings and other special events are also frequently held in Mdina. The city even served as King's Landing in Season 1 of Game of Thrones.
Extensive restoration of the city walls was undertaken between 2008 and 2016. Mdina is also on the list of potential UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Why visit Mdina?
If you are traveling to Malta, then you should consider Mdina as one of your primary places to visit.
Some of Mdina's cultural highlights include:
- The Mdina Cathedral ' St Paul's Cathedral, built in the 12th Century and renovated in Baroque style between 1696-1705;
- Palazzo Falzon ' or Norman house, this is a mansion open to visitors to see how the Maltese nobility lived;
- The Bastion ' don't miss the mesmerizing panoramic view of the island of Malta from the outer walls of the city;
- The Mdina Experience ' at Mesquita Square you can find an audio-visual show that tells the story of Malta's former capital since its foundation.
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