The best things to see and do in Mdina, a historic city in Malta

If there is a city where you will find corners with special charm in the island of Malta that is, without a doubt, Mdina.

I remind you that Malta It is a very small island, so in most cases, when talking about a city, you have to get used to the idea that it has the dimensions of a town.

Therefore, when you think about visit Mdina Keep in mind that you are going to find a great example of medieval walled town, with very narrow alleys that give it great charm.

I will add that inside the fortification that currently forms Mdina There are barely 300 inhabitants.

Curiosities of the history of Mdina

But the truth is that in the long run maltese history, walled city of Mdina It dates back at least to Roman times.

This is demonstrated by the archaeological remains of the Domus Roman House which can now be visited just before crossing the main door of the Mdina wall.

It was also important at the time of the origins of the Christendom, since it is thought that the apostle saint paul when in the year 60 he was shipwrecked on the island of Malta.

Its special location at the top of a hill located in a central area of ​​the island, gives Mdina of special defensive conditions, which is why it became the capital of Malta.

During the Arab occupation its walls were built, and also Mdina It became the center of the Norman occupation of the island in the late 11th century.

The construction of Valletta by Knights of Saint John At the end of the 16th century, this new seaside enclave eventually became the new capital of the island.

But that didn't stop Mdina maintained the character that led her to be considered the Noble City, since all the Sicilian and Spanish families that came to the island resided there.

What to see and do when visiting Mdina

In your Mdina sightseeing tour you will enter through the great main gate of the wall, and on your walk through the interior you will find a mix of medieval architecture y Baroque architecture.

This mix is ​​due to the fact that in 1693 half of the city was destroyed by an earthquake, and in the subsequent reconstruction numerous buildings were built. baroque palaces.

The oldest area of Mdina It is a labyrinth of very narrow streets where the buildings with small doors and windows are true stone forts.

You can still see some windows that, due to their architectural style, recall the presence of the Normans in Malta.

St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina

In the Mdina main square is the San Pablo's cathedral, a building that was built in the 17th century, after the aforementioned earthquake, on the site of an old Norman church.

Inside, what will especially catch your attention is the floor covered with marble tombstones under which bishops and other clerics in the history of the church are buried, similar to what you can see in the Valletta Co-Cathedral.

During your walk you will be able to travel some section of the Mdina wall, from where you will have excellent panoramic views of this area of ​​the island.

Baroque palaces in Mdina

En Mdina You also have the possibility of visiting the interior of one of its majestic baroque palaces.

Specifically in the palazzo Falson You find a large collection of antique furniture and objects.

It is an original building from the 14th century that once belonged to an Aragonese, and at the beginning of the 20th century it became the property of a Norwegian who rehabilitated it, and whose foundation now manages the museum.

Also known as the Norman House, is a good example of what the houses of the nobles were like in the heyday of Mdina.

Another palatial example that you can also see is the 17th century baroque building now occupied by the Relais Chateaux Xara Palace, Boutique hotel where events are held.

Facing your Mdina visit, a good place where it is worth eating is in the Vinum Winebar, a corner with a covered and closed terrace at the top of the wall, always very frequented by diners.

Mdina, City of Silence

Known as the City of Silence, when you will really understand the meaning of this name is at dusk, when the very numerous tourists who visit it, especially during vacation or cruise times, leave it.

Then the very narrow streets of Mdina They acquire a very special charm with night lighting.

All in all, a really great visit. essential on your trip to Malta.

Best Photos of Mdina

Here you have more photos of the charming city of Mdina in Malta.

Map: how to get to Mdina

Mdina It is located in the interior of the island of Malta, about 20 minutes from Valletta.