Mdina

Mdina, also known by its titles Citta Notabile and the "Silent City," is a small, fortified medieval town located in the Northern Region of Malta. Perched on a high hill in the center of the island, Mdina served as Malta's capital from antiquity until the arrival of the Knights of St. John in 1530. The town is enclosed within massive defensive bastions and offers breathtaking, panoramic views across the entire island.

With a history spanning over 3,000 years, Mdina was first fortified by the Phoenicians and later became the Roman city of Melite. During the Arab period, the city was reduced to its current size and renamed Mdina (meaning "fortified city" in Arabic), while its suburb became Rabat. Today, Mdina is a remarkably well-preserved living museum, home to stunning Norman and Baroque palaces, narrow winding alleys, and a tiny population of around 250 residents, including descendants of Malta's oldest noble families.

Mdina is a magical destination at any time of year. The spring and autumn months are ideal for walking the stone streets in comfortable temperatures. To experience the town's famous "silent" atmosphere, it is highly recommended to visit in the late afternoon or evening, after the day-trippers have left, when the lamplit alleys feel like a journey back in time. The annual Mdina Flower Festival in spring is a beautiful time to see the city decorated.

Mdina is a fully pedestrianized city; only vehicles belonging to residents, emergency services, and wedding cars are permitted within the gates. The town is very compact, measuring less than a kilometer across, and can be easily explored on foot in under an hour. Buses run regularly to Mdina (and neighboring Rabat) from Valletta (routes 51, 52, 53), Sliema (route 202), and St. Julian's.

• Mdina - Malta's historic medieval capital, renowned for its imposing fortifications, noble palaces, and quiet, atmospheric alleys.

Dining in Mdina is a premium experience, with several high-end restaurants set in historic vaults and palazzos. A must-visit is the famous Fontanella Tea Garden, situated on the bastion walls, renowned for its decadent cakes and panoramic views. Traditional Maltese dishes, Italian cuisine, and fine wines are served in atmospheric courtyards throughout the city.

Mdina represents the historic heart of Maltese nobility and religious authority. It remains the seat of the Maltese bishop, and its cathedral takes precedence over Valletta's St. John's Co-Cathedral. The town's culture is preserved through its museums, historic archives, and the annual Mdina Grand Prix, which sees classic cars race around the city's bastions.

• Visit St. Paul's Cathedral, a magnificent baroque masterpiece designed by Lorenzo Gafà, featuring an intricately inlaid marble floor and historic artwork.
• Walk along the bastion walls to the viewpoint at Bastion Square, offering a commanding view of the Maltese countryside, towns, and distant coastline.
• Explore the Cathedral Museum, which houses an impressive collection of silver, historic documents, and woodcut prints by the German master Albrecht Dürer.
• Stay overnight or dine at the Xara Palace, a luxurious 17th-century palazzo that is the only hotel located within the city walls.