Mdina - The Silent City in Malta

Mdina - tourist attraction

Mdina is the old capital city of the island of Malta

It is a typical medieval town, very quiet and excellent for tourists to visit especially in the afternoon and during weekdays when there are less people around! It is situated in the centre of the island and is around 220 metres above sea level so it enjoys breathtaking and spectacular views of all the Maltese Islands.

Narrow streets, churches a cathedral, alleys and convents characterize the city's altogether mystical ambience. Mdina is known as the "Silent City" and even tough it is still fully inhabited silence still reigns all day long especially since car traffic is very restricted.

Mdina as a tourist attraction

Brief History on Mdina:

Mdina was first fortified by the Phoenicians around 700 BC most probably it was chosen because of it's high altitude. The Roman Empire in 60 AD strengthened it and the Roman governor build his palace in Mdina.

Mdina by Night - tourist attraction - Malta
The Cathedral of St. Paul Mdina - tourist attraction - Malta

The apostle St Paul lived in this same palace. Saracens came in Malta in 870AD and continued to fortify the city making it the beauty that it is today for any tourist to admire.

Thousands of tourists gather at Mdina every month to visit the many places of interest in this beautiful medieval city. A list of places of interest that any tourist should visit whilst at Mdina:

• St. Paul Cathedral
• Vilhena Palace
• Palazzo Falzon (Norman House)
• St. Agatha's Chapel
• St. Nicholas' Chapel
• Natural History Museum
• Mdina Dungeons
• Carmelite Church & Convent
• Mdina Experience
• Benedictine Monastery

Today, no cars (other than those of a limited number of residents, emergency vehicles, wedding cars and hearses) are allowed in Mdina and there is a calming atmosphere as one walks along its narrow streets and ways. The city displays an unusual mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, including several palaces, most of which serve as private homes. The Cathedral is worth visiting and is fronted by a large square.