"Mdina" Mdina by kris-t

Mdina Travel Guide: 280 reviews and 842 photos

Mdina is the old capital of Malta. It is a medieval town, with narrow quiet streets, situated in the centre of the island. It is also known as the "Silent City". It commands a magnificent view of the Island.

Evidence for settlement in Mdina goes back to over 4000BC. It was first fortified by the Phoenicians around 1000BC, probably because of its strategic location on one of the highest points on the island and as far from the sea as possible. When Malta came under control of the Roman Empire, the Roman Governor built his Palace there. It was here in A.D. 60 that the Apostle St Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands. The city earned its present day name from the Saracens who came to Malta around 870 AD. They surrounded the city with thick defensive walls and a wide moat, separating it from its nearest town, Rabat.

Narrow medieval street

A strong earthquake in 1693 destroyed a large number of buildings in Mdina. After the earthquake the Cathedral was rebuilt on the designs of the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa.

Last visit to Mdina: Sep 1999
Intro Updated Jun 2, 2012
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Reviews (2)

Walking around Things to Do (2)

Today no cars (other than those of a limited number of residents) are allowed in Mdina and there is a calming atmosphere... more travel advice

Mdina Cathedral Things to Do (2)

The Cathedral of St. Paul was built from 1697 to 1702 to replace a Norman cathedral that had been destroyed by... more travel advice

Travelogues (1)

Written Jun 2, 2012

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Mdina

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nigelw6443 Aug 19, 2003 at 12:50 AM

Look forward to sseing more of your Malta pages. I was there last year and have left a few tips.