Menu
Christine Cassar
The ancient walled city of Mdina is the oldest fortified medieval town on the island founded over 4000 years ago.
Known for having many names such as the Silent City, Città Vecchia, and Città Notabile, Mdina has a certain allure to both locals and tourists. Its colourful doors, numerous historical sites, treasures and medieval and baroque architecture take you through different eras of its timeless history.
Throughout all the sections of this ultimate Mdina guide, I provide local insights into its rich history, the main highlights, and all the things you can do when you visit Mdina. Read on to find out more!
Mdina is one of my favourite places to visit as a local. There’s something quite special about getting lost in its alleys and discovering new hidden gems with every visit.
The entrance to the notable city is over the bridge and through the Main Gate. Once you set foot inside, you will pass by the Mdina Dungeons Museum and the Natural History Museum.
Turn left and you’ll find yourself on Triq Villegaignon, one of the main streets in the city. If you continue walking down this way, you’ll find yourself in Triq San Pawl (St Paul’s Street), right in the heart of Mdina. Here you’ll find the majestic St Paul’s Cathedral and the Mdina Cathedral Museum.
Before continuing your tour of Mdina, Xara Palace’s Trattoria AD 1530 is on the same street. It’s a great place to get a bite to eat if you love traditional and Mediterranean food.
If you continue walking along the charming streets, you’ll soon find yourself in Bastion Square. Here, you can enjoy the panoramic views of the island, before heading to Fontanella Tea Garden for cake or Fior di Latte for gelato.
Finally, don’t forget to take some time to snap some photos and admire the beauty of Mesquita Square.
Alongside discovering all the places of interest and museums in the old capital city, there are more things to do in Mdina.
This fantastic tour allows many tourists to marvel at the historical sites and cultural treasures within the walls of Malta, Mdina.
Amongst some of the highlights, you’ll wander the narrow streets, and visit the Mdina Cathedral, Palazzo Falson, Vilhena Palace and much more.
You’ll also visit Mdina’s neighbouring town, Rabat. Here, you will visit the Wignacourt Museum which houses the World War II Shelters, the Catacombs, the Sanctuary of St Publius, Melchiorre Cafà’s Statue of St. Paul and St. Paul’s Grotto.
N.B. Entrance fees to museums and places of interest are not included in the price of this tour
Explore spectacular palaces, fortifications, landmarks, museums and other places of interest during this Mdina and Valletta Private Walking Tour.
Since this is a guided walking tour, you’ll get the chance to learn about some of the most important buildings in Mdina and Malta’s Capital City, Valletta, in more detail.
Your guide will share expert local knowledge and take you around hidden gems you may not have encountered while doing your research.
Fancy exploring Mdina by night? This Mdina and Rabat Private Ghost Tour is ideal for travellers who’d like more insights into the mysteries and legends that come to life in this ghost town.
You will be accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide who will offer a recollection of ghost stories, the history behind famous landmarks, and the cultural heritage of the town.
Offering two routes and over 20 stops, the iSee Malta Hop-on Hop-off Tour is the perfect way to discover Malta and all that it has to offer.
To visit Mdina, hop on the North (Blue) line. Other places included in this route are as follows: the San Anton Gardens, Ta’ Qali Crafts Village, the famous Mosta Dome, Buġibba, and Valletta City Centre.
Should you be interested in discovering other historic places like the Three Cities, you need to switch to the South (Red) line.
If you want to discover the Silent City at your own pace, there’s no better way to do that than by having a wander.
You’ll have all the time in the world to get lost in Mdina’s walls and winding streets, admire medieval and baroque architecture, and take in all the views of the island from Bastion Square.
Looking for the perfect souvenir to bring back home? Over the years, Mdina Glass has established itself as the leading producer of handmade glassware on the island.
Known for techniques such as traditional glassblowing and sculpting, this company produces beautiful vases, bowls, glasses, lamps and many more items from molten glass.
Top Tip: Tourists interested in purchasing Mdina Glass items are also welcome to the main premises in Ta’ Qali. Here, you can watch the skilled artisans at the glassblowing workshop and the lampwork studio.
An ancient city like Mdina is brimming with places of interest and landmarks pretty much everywhere you look! Check out some of the must-sees, below!
The Mdina Gate (or the Vilhena Gate) is the first thing you’ll spot as soon as you approach Mdina.
Designed by Charles François de Mondion, the Mdina gate was built in 1724 during the reign of Grand Master Antonio Manoel de Vilhena.
The outside part of the gate is adorned with double pilasters, the coat-of-arms of de Vilhena on white marble, trophies of arms adorned with lions (part of Vilhena’s escutcheon) and a Latin inscription of the date and details of the new gate. Meanwhile, the inside of the gate features a Latin inscription honouring Antonio Inguanez who ended a rebellion in 1428 and his coat-of-arms.
As many fans of the show already know, the gate was used as the backdrop for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones (Season 1). Additionally, this landmark served as a prominent filming location in Gladiator and The Count of Monte Cristo.
Located right in the heart of the town, it is built on the site where Governor Publius is said to have met St Paul after his shipwreck on the Maltese Islands. Designed by Lorenzo Gafà in 1792, the Cathedral was constructed after the notorious earthquake destroyed the old city.
Featuring stained-glass windows, beautiful frescoes on the ceiling and the dome and inlaid tombstones and marble slabs on the floor, St Paul’s Cathedral is most certainly worth a visit!
The Mdina Cathedral Museum is a baroque-style palace, situated on the right-hand side of the Cathedral, in Archbishop’s Square.
Its origins date back to the 1700s when it was originally a seminary under the patronage of Bishop Paul Alphéran de Bussan.
Fast-forward to 1969, it was officially inaugurated as a museum. Nowadays, it is renowned as one of the most prestigious museums on a local and international scale showcasing historical artefacts and religious artworks dating as far back as the 1300s.
The Mdina Dungeons Museum offers an interactive experience of the most turbulent chapters in Malta’s dark historical past.
Throughout your visit, you’ll go through different historical eras such as the Roman period, the Arab occupation, the Knights and Napolean. As you go through winding passages and chambers, you will learn more about imprisonments, torture, executions, plots and more!
The Mdina Dungeons are located just after you enter Mdina through the main gate. You can’t miss them!
Also featured in some of the Season 1 scenes of Game of Thrones, Mesquita Square is a charming area that connects different parts of the Silent City.
The striking stone buildings within the area take you back to some of the fascinating times of the Middle Ages. You also can’t miss the small well in the centre of Mesquita Square. Coupled with its tales of the past and historical heritage, the well is a true representation of how Mdina’s traditions survived the test of time.
The Mdina Experience is a 30-minute show that gives many tourists the chance to relive what the old capital city was like 7000 years ago.
Throughout the show, you’ll go on a journey through time as you experience both the triumphant and turbulent episodes in Mdina’s rich history.
You can end your visit to Mdina with a stroll around the Mdina Ditch Gardens.
This landmark was first built in the 15th century and was an important aspect of the fortified city. During the Knights’ rule, it was then rebuilt by the French architect Charles François de Mondion.
Prior to a restoration project that took place a couple of years ago, the Ditch was swamped with overgrown with 273 citrus and olive trees. Eventually, these were moved and were replaced by stone and lawn pavings and saplings in pots.
Previously known as Palazzo Cumbo-Navvara, Casa dei Castellati and Norman House, Palazzo Falson is a 13th-century palazzo and is the second oldest building in Mdina.
Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher OBE (1889-1962) bought the palazzo in 1927 after raising concerns about Malta’s cultural heritage.
He was an avid collector of objets d’art, including antique furniture, jewellery, oriental rugs, silver, paintings and armoury. With this in mind, Gollecher wanted his palazzo and his treasure trove of items to be preserved as a museum and open to the general public.
Eventually, Palazzo Falson honoured Gollecher’s will, by setting up the foundation bearing his name. After extensive restoration by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, the museum finally opened its doors to the public in May 2007.
Just like the Mdina Experience, the Knights of Malta Experience details episodes from the times of the rule of the Knights of the Order of St John through a 3D walkthrough recreation and an audio-visual spectacular.
Whether you’re a history buff or are still learning about Malta’s rich history, this is a great experience for the whole family.
Located on Triq il-Villegaignon, this chapel houses some of the most beautiful interiors. Whether you’re religious or not, this is a must-see!
Also known as the Chapel of Our Lady of Light, it showcases an octagonal cell with an oval dome. Furthemore, you’ll also find a painting representing the Golgotha, alongside two decorative medallions with paintings of St Paul and St John the Baptist up on the chancel.
Discover the daily and spiritual way of life of the Carmelite friars at this spectacular 17th-century priory.
Throughout your visit, you’ll walk through different rooms including, a traditional kitchen, a friar’s cell and a sober oratory. What’s more, you will also see the refectory, where the friars meet for their communal meals. it is one of the best Baroque examples of its time, where paintings, sculpture and architecture are intertwined.
The priory is also connected to a Carmelite Church from behind the altar. Built between 1660 and 1675, it features paintings by local artist Giuseppe Calì as well as the titular Annunciation by Stefano Erardi.
No visit to the Silent City is complete without admiring the views of the island from Bastion Square. You can even spot Valletta and the titular Mosta Rotunda in the distance!
The National Museum of Natural History is housed within the walls of the stellar Vilhena Palace.
This 18th-century palace was constructed in 1724. Fast-forward a couple of years, Vilhena served as a temporary hospital during the 1837 cholera outbreak, a sanitorium for the British army in 1860 as well as a hospital for tuberculosis patients till January 1956.
On 22nd June 1973, it was officially inaugurated as the National Museum of Natural History. With a special focus on local flora and fauna, the museum is now responsible for the acquisition, collection, display, and conservation of natural history specimens.
You can end your visit to Mdina with a stroll around the Mdina Ditch Gardens.
This landmark was first built in the 15th century and was an important aspect of the fortified city. During the Knights’ rule, it was then rebuilt by the French architect Charles François de Mondion.
Prior to a restoration project that took place a couple of years ago, the Ditch was swamped with overgrown with 273 citrus and olive trees. Eventually, these were moved and were replaced by stone and lawn pavings and saplings in pots.
Interested in extending your visit to Mdina? You’ll be happy to know that you can book a stay at either of the three hotels listed below:
A hidden gem in Mdina Malta’s Silent City. Located near St Paul’s Cathedral, it is one of the most magnificent 17th-century palaces on the Maltese Islands.
Nestled between the narrow streets of the former capital, is Palazzo Bifora. This meticulously restored heritage home promises a memorable stay while you experience the timeless beauty of Mdina.
The central location of this Adults Only boutique hotel makes it an ideal option for guests who want to be close to Rabat’s attractions and amenities as well as Mdina. from comfort rooms to the stellar penthouse suite with its own private jacuzzi and private terrace, there is something for everybody’s budget.
The following bus routes take you directly to Mdina:
If you don’t want to rent a car or wait around for public transport, you can always book a taxi. In this case, you can opt for Uber or Bolt. To give you a rough estimate, it costs around €15-€25 to get to Mdina from Malta International Airport.
You can download the following apps for the recommended providers via the App Store or Play Store:
Parking within the tiny walled city is strictly prohibited since spaces are reserved for residents with a special permit and emergency vehicles only. However, you can park outside the bastions if you intend on renting a car to visit Mdina.
Bear in mind the area can be quite busy during the weekend and whenever any events are taking place, but you should be able to find a parking spot at some point. With this in mind, there are 3 parking areas:
N.B. At times, parking attendants are present at all parking areas mentioned above. €1 is customary but as such, you are not obliged to pay them. You can also park your car around Rabat and the road leading down to L-Istazzjon restaurant, right next to the Roman Villa.
A beloved spot by many locals and most tourists, Fontantella Tea Garden is the perfect place for a tea break and some cake!
Although Fontanella is mostly known for sweet treats and homemade cakes, the restaurant also offers a lunch and dinner menu with a variety of options including sandwiches, pizza, pasta dishes and charcuterie boards.
Indoor seating is available, however, I always choose to sit outside to enjoy the picturesque views of the island.
If you’re after a fine dining experience within the ancient fortifications of Mdina, there’s no better place than the De Mondion restaurant. Located on the rooftop of Xara Palace, this award-winning restaurant serves exquisite Mediterranean and local cuisine with a French twist. Best of all, you can enjoy a memorable al fresco dinner on the Mdina bastions. Not to be missed!
Located just opposite the magnificent Vilhena Palace, Trattoria AD 1530 is proud to serve traditional and tasty food that you can expect to find at a trattoria. Think pizzas, pasta, meat dishes, fish specialities…the full meal deal! Great for all the family!
Originally a Norman residence, The Medina Restaurant is one of the highest-rated dining spots on the island. In their own words; flavours of the past meet the present. Expect a Mediterranean gastronomic experience complemented with only the freshest local ingredients. The ambience doesn’t disappoint either, since you can dine in the gorgeous internal courtyard or beneath a vaulted ceiling!
Fancy some gelato? Head to Fior di Latte, a little spot located within a historic building, called ‘Beaulieu’. With over 16 flavours of gelato artigianale, waffles, coffee and milkshakes, you’re spoiled for choice!
Every year, the Silent City hosts the highly anticipated Medieval Mdina Festival. Throughout this 2-day event, spectators have the opportunity to discover what Mdina was like many centuries ago during the medieval period.
You’ll be entertained by falconry displays, live music, performances of battle scenes and traditions, as well as traditional floats. What’s more, you can participate in archery, sword-fighting activities and lots more!
As you might already know, Malta’s village festa is one of the most popular things that locals and tourists attend year after year.
Mdina’s feast is no exception. In this case, the town celebrates St Peter and St Paul on 29th June with folk music, local food and fireworks. Locally, this feast is known as L-Imnarja, with connections dating back to the Roman celebration known as Luminaria.
Additionally, L-Imnarja is regarded as the farmers’ feast since it is also linked to Malta’s agricultural heritage. In fact, the celebrations start on the evening of 28th June at Buskett Gardens, where visitors can enjoy a more serene environment whilst buying fresh produce and participating in various exhibitions.
The liturgical mass then takes place at St Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina. Following the service, horse and donkey races are hosted on country roads, quite close to the town. The winner is given the palju trophy, a distinct banner originally awarded by the Grandmaster to winners in different races during the reign of the Knights.
You may be thinking why does Mdina have many names? The Silent City, Maleth, Città Vecchia and Città Notabile are some of the few names coined throughout the centuries. The reason for this is quite simple; Mdina endured several rulers throughout Malta’s past.
Archaeological remains suggest that Mdina has existed since the Bronze Age. Further evidence suggests that it was first fortified and inhabited by the Phoenicians circa 700 BC on one of the highest hilltops on the island. At the time, they called it Maleth, which means shelter or refuge.
By the time the Romans arrived, Mdina was called Melite. When compared to present-day Mdina, the ancient city was larger since its walls were part of Rabat. Eventually, it was reduced in size by the Byzantines since they thought this strengthened Mdina’s position and fortifications. However, they were defeated by the Arabs and soon enough, Mdina was known as Medina.
Moving on to 1090 AD, the Normans arrived in Malta. Christianity was reintroduced and more fortifications were added to further protect Mdina from any invasions. To this day, several Norman influences on Mdina can still be found on many balconies, structures and historical buildings. Eventually, Mdina was known as Città Notabile when Maltese nobility inhabited the city.
Mdina was set to face more difficult times. After the German Hohenstaufen dynasty, Malta was ruled by the Angevins from France. Eventually, these were defeated by the crown of Aragon during the Battle of Malta. During this time, King Alonso’s 1482 Royal Charter declared that all citizens in Malta had the right to their local government, the local council and the University.
Initially, the noble families weren’t too happy with the arrival of the Knights in 1530 since this meant that their newfound freedom was short-lived. However, since the city’s fortifications had become even weaker, Mdina remained the capital city until the Knights declared Birgu as their new administrative centre.
This meant that the noble families were allowed to live in peace and you guessed it, it became known as the Silent City. Nevertheless, disaster struck on 11th January 1693, when an earthquake caused considerable damage to different parts of the Maltese Islands, including Mdina.
Soon enough, the Knights moved back into Mdina to help reconstruct the city as we know it today. Grandmaster de Vilhena commissioned commissioning French architect and military engineer Charles François de Mondion to reconstruct the city. This included the Mdina Gate, St Paul’s Cathedral and Palazzo Falson.
After Valletta was completed, Mdina was aptly named Città Vecchia.
Needless to say, the history is indeed fascinating. Mdina is currently on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and remains one of the popular destinations loved by locals and tourists.
Looking for more tips on how you can enjoy your visit to Mdina? Just drop me a comment below and I’ll do my best to help you out.
