Mdina

A fortified city, it is situated in the Northern part of the island. It served as the capital of Malta from antiquity until the construction of Valletta in 1566, ensuring that it boasts a wealth of fantastic architecture and history. The city itself is situated inland on one of the island’s highest points and has a population of around 300. It is located approximately 12 kilometres from the capital, Valletta, allowing visitors to explore all the wonders that Malta has to offer.

The city was fortified by the Phoenicians around 700 BC, due to its strategic location on one of the island’s highest points. It became the capital of Malta under Roman occupation when the governor constructed his palace there. Local tradition believes that the Apostle St. Paul made his home in the city after he was shipwrecked in St Paul’s Bay. It underwent massive changes between 999 AD and 1091 AD during the Fatimid Period and was then fortified adequately after the Norman conquest in 1091. It remained the capital of the island when Malta became the property of the Order of the Knights of St John and was the location where each grandmaster would swear fealty to the people. It gained the majority of its Baroque buildings after the massive earthquake of 1693 that damaged the town. Since then, it has always been the second city of Malta, after the construction of the fortified capital, Valletta.

The Maltese Natural History Museum, located in Mdina, offers an educational and enjoyable day out, where children can learn about Mediterranean wildlife. They can also experience the Mdina experience and the Mdina Dungeons, where children can enjoy interactive audio-visual tours that teach them about Malta and Mdina’s fascinating history on their family holiday. There is also plenty of nature, and beaches are a short drive from the city, making it the perfect base to explore the rest of the country from.

Malta’s former capital is a beautiful walled city that combines Baroque and Renaissance architecture, making it an ideal destination for those interested in history and culture. The old town is surrounded by intact walls that can be walked along, providing spectacular views over the surrounding area. St. Paul’s Cathedral is located in the main square and is said to be the place where the famous saint met the Roman governor of the country, making it both beautiful and historic. At the same time, the Carmelite Priory Museum is renowned for its stunning domed roof, famed for the majestic fresco painted upon it.

Its nickname of ‘The Silent City’ pretty much sums up the social scene in the city. However, that doesn’t mean that guests won’t have a good time during their visit: there are plenty of great places to eat and drink inside the city walls, making it the perfect place to enjoy a quiet meal with friends, family or your significant other. The majority of these restaurants are situated amidst stunning architecture, offering majestic views over the old city. The nearby town of Rabat is the place to head for those seeking clubs or a party.

Most famous for its Phoenician glass, coloured glass blown by mouth, it is one of those pieces that you can acquire to remember the city with. There are a vast number of shops that sell this famous Maltese product of the old town, which is fully pedestrianised, allowing visitors to explore it with ease. There are also plenty of more modern shops selling fashion items and several boutique jewellery shops selling iconic Maltese Crosses, among other things.