Mdina

Mdina

The city of Mdina Malta’s former capital has a history dating back 4000 years. The families that live there today can trace their roots back to the Normans, Sicilans and Spaniards who have ruled the city over the centuries. The city is a virtual outdoor museum with its well preserved palaces, churches and fortified walls from the medieval and baroque periods. The city is known as the “Silent City” when the new capital was created and its population moved. Today it remains a silent city because besides the cars of the small number of its citizens, no other vehicles are allowed.

Category: Places to See in Malta Tags: Malta & Gozo Tour, malta-city

Description

What to see in Mdina

One of its most striking sites is the “Greek Gate” built in the 17 century. This remarkable entrance to the city gets its name from the design which mimics the classical Greek with its columns. Ae you walk through the city you will arrive at the Bastion Square with its impressive views of central Malta. Many visitors stop for a tea or coffee at the Café Fontanella hoping for a seat with the vest view on the terrace. Just next to Mdina is Rabat which is the site of the Christian Catacombs. The legend says that St. Paul was shipwrecked here around 60 AD. There are over 1000 tombs built by the early Christians in this area.

You can visit St. Paul’s Cathedral and Museum where among many things you can view the famous painting of Mattia Preti, the Conversion of St. Paul. If you want to learn about the history of Mdina you can take in the Mdina Experience which is an audio-visual presentation with over 3000 years of the history of the city. You can also look at the dark side of the history of Mdina with a visit to the Dungeons of Mdina.