Mdina, Malta, a small city, seems to have stopped time with its honey-colored walls, Roman mosaics, and magnificent mansions. This city boasts a 4000-year history, deriving its name from the Arabic word ‘Madina,’ a legacy of 9th-century Arab rule. When the capital moved to Valletta in 1500, Mdina gradually fell silent, earning the nickname ‘Silent City.’ Though tourist activity now breaks its absolute silence, walking its narrow, cobbled streets still whispers tales of history.
According to Jadeh Makhsoos News Agency, your adventure likely begins at Mdina Gate, a Baroque architectural masterpiece. Fans of ‘Game of Thrones’ recognize it as King’s Landing’s gate in the first season.
Passing through this gate and various filming locations, you reach the city’s vibrant heart, Pjazza San Pawl.
St. Paul’s Cathedral dominates Pjazza San Pawl. People say builders constructed it where the Roman governor met Saint Paul. Its magnificent gilded altars and marble tombstone floors create a spiritual atmosphere, captivating even non-religious visitors.
Jadeh Makhsoos reports, the adjacent museum houses a treasure trove of art, including Albrecht Dürer’s woodcuts. At sunset, when orange light bathes the cathedral, the square in Mdina, Malta, becomes exceptionally beautiful.
To understand Mdina’s history more deeply, you have two distinct choices. Visit Palazzo Falson, a 13th-century aristocratic home. It showcases luxurious past life with its combined Arabic-Mediterranean architecture and antique collection.
Your next option is to explore the depths of Mdina Dungeons. They display the island’s dark and turbulent history by recreating torture scenes.
For relaxation, head to Bastion Square on the city’s northern wall. This spot offers an excellent vantage point to watch sunrises and sunsets over Malta’s plains. Around the square, you will find shops selling traditional hand-woven lace and handmade glass.
You cannot complete a trip to Mdina without tasting its flavors. You can refresh yourself at Fior di Latte ice cream parlor. Alternatively, enjoy a slice of famous chocolate cake at the popular Fontanella Tea Garden, overlooking the city’s ramparts.
If you seek a luxurious experience, the Michelin-starred De Mondion restaurant awaits you with its creative dishes. For a more casual atmosphere, Coogi’s restaurant serves a delicious blend of Italian pasta and traditional Maltese rabbit stew.
If you plan an overnight stay, The Xara Palace offers an unparalleled experience. This restored 17th-century palace, with 17 luxurious rooms and suites, gives you the feeling of staying in a nobleman’s home. Eating breakfast on its rooftop terrace, with views across the entire island, provides a dreamlike conclusion to your journey to Mdina, Malta’s Silent City.