THE BEST TO SEE AND DO IN MDINA (MALTA)

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Mdina, medieval walled city in Malta

If there is a city where you will find corners with special charm in the Malta Island that is undoubtedly Mdina.

I remind you that malt It is a very small island, so in most cases, when you talk about a city, you have to get the idea that it has the dimensions of a town.

Therefore, when you think of visit Mdina keep in mind that you are going to find a great example of medieval walled town, with very narrow alleys that give it great charm.

Gateway to Mdina in Malta

I will add that inside the fortification that currently configures Mdina only 300 inhabitants reside.

Mdina's Story

But the truth is that in the long run malta history, the walled city of Mdina dates back at least to the time of the Romans.

This is demonstrated by the archaeological remains of the Roman House Domus which can now be visited just before crossing the main gate of the mdina wall.

Mdina Corner in Malta

It was also important at the time of the origins of the Christendom, it is thought that in that place he lived the apostle saint paul when in the year 60 he was shipwrecked on the island of Malta.

Its special location on top of a hill located in a central area of the island, provides Mdina of special defensive conditions, which is why it became the Malta capital.

During the occupation of the Arabs was their walls were built, and also Mdina It became the center of the occupation of the island by the Normans at the end of the 11th century.

The construction of Valletta for the Knights of San Juan at the end of the 16th century it led to this new enclave by the sea at the end becoming the new capital of the island.

But that didn't stop Mdina maintain the character that led her to be considered as the Noble City, because in her resided all the Sicilian and Spanish families that arrived at the island.

Mdina Corner in Malta

What to see and do in Mdina's visit

In you Mdina sightseeing tour you will enter the great main gate of the wall, and in your walk inside you will find a mixture of medieval architecture Y baroque architecture.

This mixture is due to the fact that in 1693 half of the city was destroyed by an earthquake, and in the subsequent reconstruction numerous buildings were built baroque palaces.

The oldest area of Mdina It is a maze of very narrow streets where buildings with small doors and windows are real stone forts.

You can still see a window that by its architectural style recalls the presence of the Normans in Malta.

St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina

In the Mdina main square is the San Pablo's cathedral, building that was built in the seventeenth century, after the aforementioned earthquake, in the place occupied by an old Norman church.

St. Paul's Cathedral in Mdina in Malta

Inside, the floor covered with marble tombstones under which the bishops and other clergy of the history of the church are buried, will be striking, similar to what you can see in the Con-Valletta Cathedral.

During your walk you can travel some section of the mdina wall, from where you will have excellent panoramic views of this area of the island.

Baroque palaces in Mdina

In Mdina You also have the possibility to visit the interior of one of its majestic baroque palaces.

Specifically in the palazzo Falson You find a large collection of furniture and antique objects.

Palazzo Falson in Mdina in Malta

It is an original building of the fourteenth century that once belonged to an Aragonese, and that in the early twentieth century became the property of a Norwegian who rehabilitated it, and whose foundation now manages the museum.

Also known as the Norman House, is a good example of how the houses of the nobles were in the era of greatest strength of Mdina.

Another palatial sample that you can also know is the 17th-century baroque building now occupied by theRelais Chateaux Xara Palace, a Boutique hotel where events are held

Facing you Mdina's visit, a good place to eat is in theVinum Winebar, a corner with a covered and closed terrace at the top of the wall, always very frequented by diners.

Carriage with tourists in Mdina in Malta

Mdina, City of Silence

Known as the City of Silence, when you really understand the meaning of this denomination is at dusk, when it is abandoned by the many tourists who visit it, especially during the holiday or cruise season.

Then the very narrow streets of Mdina they acquire a very special charm with night lighting.

In short, a visit really essential on your trip to Malta.