Mdina

Mdina, the ancient former capital of Malta, is one of the most atmospheric places on the island, a small fortified hilltop city known as the Silent City for its hushed, timeless calm. Enclosed within honey-coloured walls, its narrow, winding medieval lanes, lined with noble palaces, quiet courtyards and a fine baroque cathedral, are almost car-free and all but frozen in time, and from its ramparts sweeping views stretch across the island to the sea, magical in the evening light.

History

The Phoenicians founded a colony called Ann on this plateau around the 8th century BC, and the Romans renamed it Melita, a city about three times the size of present-day Mdina. The present name comes from the Arabic madinah, "city", given when the town was resettled in the 11th century (Wikipedia, Mdina).

Highlights

• The Silent City lanes - the hushed medieval streets and palaces.
• St Paul's Cathedral - the baroque cathedral.
• The bastion views - the sweeping panorama over the island from the walls.
• Rabat and the catacombs - the town and early Christian catacombs just outside.

When to go

Spring and autumn for the mildest weather; go early morning or in the evening, once the day-trippers have left, to experience the Silent City at its most hushed and atmospheric, lit golden by the setting sun.

Things to know

It is very popular by day, so the 'Silent City' can be far from silent with tour groups, especially since it featured as a filming location; early morning and evening are magical and quiet. It is small, seen in a half day, and best combined with neighbouring Rabat and its catacombs. Its medieval atmosphere and views, though, are genuinely enchanting.

Nearby

Rabat, the Dingli Cliffs and Valletta are close on the small island.

Key facts