Mdina-The Silent City

Mdina-The Silent City

Malta - mdina flagThe ancient city of Mdina in Malta is located in the center of this tropical isle and is also an amazing place to visit. Town goes back over 3000 years and was the original capital of Malta until 1568, if the Knights of St. John built the city of Valletta following the Great Siege of 1565.

Mdina - Strolling round the city is much like having a step back with time. It's mediaeval character really comes to life within it's fortifications, narrow alleyways, palaces and churches and offers town an almost mystical atmosphere. It appears like nothing here has changed in centuries that is probably why it's really a very popular tourist destination.

Entrance towards the city is thru it's magnificent gateway that was built-in 1724 by Grand Master De Vilhena. Within the city there are many attractions worth noting but the most important step here's to wander around it's narrow streets and alleyways and get a real feel of the items this phenomenal city is focused on.

pictures of mdina

mdina toursMdina has some very notable attractions within it's walls. One which comes to mind will be the St. Paul's Cathedral. The cathedral was built after having a terrible earthquake in 1693. Like all Maltese cathedrals the exact same thing is definitely an impressive structure. The cathedral's floor is inlaid with detailed marble gravestones which fit in with a few of the Maltese aristocracy along with a stunning wallpainting depicting the shipwreck of St. Paul on Malta. Aslo be sure to observe the adjoining cathedral museum, this houses the archive with the inquisition in Malta, which unfortunetly isn't on public display.

One of the most impressive buildings in Mdina is the Palazzo Falson also called the Norman House, that has been built around 1495 from the Argonese Vice-Admiral Falson. Many items displayed throughout the house go as far back hundreds of years, including 17th century paintings by Mattia Preti, Maltese, Continental and British silver, an imposing armoury containing swords, pistols, guns and polearms, a collection of jewellery from various periods and complicated oriental rugs.

The city also houses a Museum of Natural History inside the former Magisterial Palace that was integrated 1730 and the Mdina Dungeons located under the palace with secret underground passages, chambers and cells. While strolling around Mdina make sure to go to the newly restored gardens surrounding the city and the view in the bastions, where you will get a birds eye take a look at this tropical isle.