Mdina, a medieval and baroque city
Mdina is known as ‘the silent city’ because of its tranquillity. It is a beautiful walled town, situated in the heart of Malta, where the island’s most noble families have traditionally resided since the 12th century. Its narrow, labyrinthine streets are lined with grand houses, convents, museums, palaces, cafés and monasteries. Saint Paul’s Cathedral, named after the apostle who was shipwrecked in Malta in 60 AD and introduced Christianity to the islands, stands out in its catalogue of medieval and baroque architecture.
When night falls, Mdina takes on a romantic and magical aura with the moonlit sky illuminating the narrow streets of the old quarter and making the town a perfect place for strolling, especially for couples. By the way, Mdina (Malta) has been the setting for popular series such as ‘Game of Thrones’.
- Mdina’s history
- Mdina’s architecture
- Things to see in Mdina
- Mdina in ‘Game of Thrones’
- Where to eat in Mdina
- Where to stay in Malta
Mdina’s history
Founded by the Phoenicians in 700 BC, Mdina was renamed Melite (City of Honey) by the Romans, probably because of the abundance of beehives on the island. In addition to the Phoenicians and Romans, the city has also been inhabited by the Arabs, who named it Mdina, and by the Knights of the Order of Malta, who built most of the buildings that survive today. Nevertheless, Mdina’s urban layout is typical of Arab cities, with narrow intertwining streets. Remember that Mdina was Malta’s capital until 1530. It then began losing power and population, until it was practically uninhabited. It currently has about 300 inhabitants.
Mdina’s architecture
Mdina’s architecture is set around the old walled city. While strolling through the city, travellers will enjoy a harmonious blend of medieval and baroque architecture. The most outstanding buildings are Saint Paul’s Cathedral and Palazzo Falson, not forgetting the bridge and the Main Gate of Mdina, which date back to the time of the Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena.
Things to see in Mdina
Mdina is not a large city and is usually visited together with neighbouring Rabat which, although technically a separate city, is in practice separated from Mdina by a square. Nevertheless, each has its own autonomy. Here is a list of all the monuments to see in Mdina (Malta).
Mdina Gate
Also known as the Main Gate or Vilhena Gate, it is the main entrance to the fortified city. It was built in Baroque style in 1724 during the rule of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena and is today one of Mdina’s major tourist attractions. The rear of the gate is decorated with reliefs of Saint Publius, Saint Agatha and Saint Paul, who are the patron saints of Malta.
Mdina Cathedral
Rebuilt in 1705 after being severely damaged by an earthquake, Saint Paul’s Cathedral in Mdina is the main church in Malta. Inside, you can admire works by Mattia Pretti, carved walls and a floor made of tombstones. Next to the cathedral is the Cathedral Museum which testifies to the importance of Maltese art.
![](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mdina-3.jpg)
![](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/mdina-3.jpg)
Saint paul cathedral Mdina
Palazzo Falson
This fully restored former Maltese palace was opened to the public in 2007. It houses major collections of art, tools and antiques. You should go on a guided tour to get an insight into the daily life of the Maltese nobles. It opens from Tuesday to Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Piazza Mesquita
This is a beautiful and photogenic square located within the walls of the medieval city. Located next to the cathedral, it is surrounded by palaces and stately buildings that have been beautifully restored.
Carmelite Convent
The Carmelite Order landed in Malta in 1418 and one of the convents it founded is the one in Mdina. It has six chapels and its frescoes are beautiful. There is a painting of Our Lady of Carmel, signed by Mattia Pratti, which is usually carried in procession once a year, during her feast day.
Mdina Fortress
Mdina was walled by the Arabs in 880 and later a moat was built around it. In the 1540s, two bastions were built at the corners of the fortress that were seriously damaged by the 1693 Sicily earthquake. During the 18th century reconstruction, Vilhena Gate was built and the Despuig bastion were completed in 1724. Recently, the moat was covered with fruit and olive trees.
Mdina in ‘Game of Thrones’
Mdina’s medieval setting attracted the interest of the producers of the famous series ‘Game of Thrones’. Already in the first season, some of the city’s locations were transferred to the screen such as the Mdina Gate, the bridge, the tunnels, the narrow streets and the beautiful Piazza Mesquita. Also immortalised in ‘Game of Thrones’ were some parts of the neighbouring Rabat such as the cloister at Saint Dominic’s Convent.
![](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mdina-5.jpg)
![](https://www.barcelo.com/guia-turismo/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/mdina-5.jpg)
city view narrow medieval street old Mdina
Where to eat in Mdina
There are numerous restaurants and cafés in Mdina to enjoy Maltese cuisine. One of the best known is the cosy Fontanella Tea Garden, located on the ramparts of Bastion Street. It has incredible views and its cuisine is traditional with very Mediterranean proposals. It is said to serve the best chocolate cake on the island. Another well-known restaurant serving typical Maltese food is Don Mesquita, located on Piazza Mesquita. Also, Trattoria AD 1530, located opposite Palazzo Vilhena in a quiet square, is a good choice, with rich international meat and fish dishes based on Maltese produce.
Where to stay in Malta
If you want to travel to Mdina on your trip to Malta and stay in a hotel where you are guaranteed rest and comfort, we recommend the Barceló Fortina Malta hotel due to its excellent quality-price ratio. It is a very cosy five-star establishment located on Sliema’s seafront, with fantastic views of the Mediterranean and Valletta. It has 183 very comfortable, modern and equipped rooms with a terrace. It has an international restaurant where you can also enjoy typical Maltese cuisine and a well-equipped spa where you can relax with a treatment, sauna or hammam. In short, it is a true oasis so that you can feel at home (or even better).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Mdina mean?
Mdina means 'city' in Arabic. In fact, the name Mdina comes from the time when Malta was Arab, from the 9th to the 11th century.
Where can I eat in Mdina?
There are many restaurants to enjoy in Mdina. One of the best known is Fontanella Tea Garden, located on the ramparts of Bastion Street. Another one is Don Mesquita. Trattoria AD 1530 is also a good option.
Where can I park in Mdina?
There are free city car parks, but be aware that they fill up quickly. On the outskirts of the old quarter, on Gheriexem Street, parking is easy.
Related plans
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