Mdina and Rabat are two towns so close together they may appear as one, yet so distinct in their own atmosphere: Mdina is the old Capital of Malta, full of Arabian influences with a very strong Northern African like charm. Rabat is the poorer part of these twin towns: Whereas nobility resided in Mdina, their poorer cousins lived outside the walls in Rabat. Mdina is a great place to soak up on atmosphere, Rabat on the other hand offers some interesting catacombs and relics.
Mdina served as a fortress against invaders and as such also offers good views over the surrounding countryside.