Carmelite Church and other Mdina, Malta Things to Do Tips

The French won't like the following story, but it's part of our history that makes us really proud. The French ruled Malta right after the Knights of Malta left us in 1798. At first they showed us their kind hand but just after a few months the French started showing their teeth. Napoleon stole all the treasures he could get his hands on, and shiped the loot to France. ( No wonder that the treasures in the Louvre and Versailles are endless !! ) They also ruined all the Knights Coats of Arms from all buildings. To add insult to injury, the French rulers decided to close down most of the local churches and auction their interior parts. That's when the trouble started. On 2nd Sept 1800, some French deputies met at Mdina to auction the Weaved Linen of The Carmelite church. The locals attacked and killed all the French deputies in Mdina and threw the French Commander out of the balcony. Killing him, of course! You can see more photos in this tip section

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Directions: First church on the left as you pass St Paul's Cathedral. You can't miss the Madonna niche at the corner.

Building commenced in 1697 after an eartquake destroyed the prior Cathedral. Stained Glass, Frescos and paintings inside depict the Shipwreck and life of St Paul ( who else !!) . The Holy Virgin with baby Jesus painting is said to be painted by St Luke Himself. He's the auther of Acts of Apostles and is said that he was on the journey with St Paul when they ended stranded in Malta. Anyways, I don't beleive this myself, but it's good to let you know. You should make it a point to visit this Cathedral !
p.s I risked my neck for you VT members, as no cameras are allowed in the Cathedral. Please see the three other Cathedral photos

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Address: Archbishop's Square - Mdina
Other Contact: Bus 80 or 81

The Main Gate was built in 1724 by Grand Master De Vilhena, replacing an earlier draw-bridge gate. As you reach the first square just past the gate look back and you'll notice a carved stone monument depicting the three Patron Saints of Malta. St Paul in the middle by the bonfire and the viper reaching to his hands (see Acts 28:3-6). St Publius to his Right with the Lion beside him, was the first bishop of Malta after he converted to Christianity (actualy most of the inhabitants of Malta were converted). St Agatha is considered as the third patron saint of Malta since her intercession is reported to have saved Malta from Turkish invasion in 1551 (Please see also the other three photos)

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Directions: Can't miss this. You have to pass from beneith this portal to enter the city.
Other Contact: Bus number 80 or 81

A very modern Audio Visual Presentation of the Mdina History. Souvenier shop and cafe also at Ground Floor. A picture is worth a thousand words and a teaser movie of what you'll expect can be seen if you click on the official website below. Open Monday till Friday 1030hrs till 1600 hrs. The show takes appx half an hour and the entrance fee is appx 2 Euros

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Address: 7, Mesquita Square, Mdina
Directions: Mesquita Square half way down Mesquita street. See Photo.
Website: http://www.themdinaexperience.com/

This museum is one of the best religious museums in Europe. A small chapel is found on the second floor. It also exhibits an impressive cross-section of sacred art, famous paintings, a coin collection, Roman antiquities, and original documents from the time of the Inquisition. The museum contains a particularly rich collection of music manuscripts.

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Directions: At the side of St Paul's Cathedral

If you walk all the way "North", you'll end up in a typical Maltese square , with a view of a big chunk of Malta. You can clearly see the Mosta Dome right in front of you. You can also notice 'Portomaso Tower' in St Julians and the Carmelite Church Dome of Valletta. To the left there's the Mtarfa Clock Tower. Try to count all the churches you can see. You'll surely give up as more spires and domes will keep popping up on every count. You can see more photos in this tip section

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First historical building you'll find as you enter Mdina on your left, you'll see The Standard Tower. It was erected for guards to protect the city. At both sides of the top window, there's two Coats of Arms. The one on your right is the shield of the Municipality of Malta and the one on your left of Grandmaster Manoel De Vilhena.

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Directions: First building on your left as you enter Mdina

If you're not planning to visit any churches, museums or attractions in Mdina it will be a wise choice to visit after 1700 hrs. In the evening Mdina is REEEAALY Silent and you can practically have the city for yourself. There's public transport to Rabat/Imdina from all Touristic villages such as Sliema, Bugibba, St Paul's Bay and St Julians.Click website link for Public transport timetable

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Website: http://www.atp.com.mt/

Here in these underground passageways, Maltese history have been recreated to portray events from the dark side of Roman times to the Arabs, the Knights and even Napoleon. The attraction contains full-size figures in period costume supported by display text panels in various languages. The Mdina Dungeons are opened all year round, Monday to Sunday, from 10.00 to 16.30 hrs (last admission 16.15 hours).NOT FOR THE SQUEEMISH!

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Phone: (356) 21450267
Directions: just inside the main entrance gate to Mdina, at the first turning on the right
Website: http://www.dungeonsmalta.com
Other Contact: appx €4 adults and €2 kids

Parallel to the Main Gate, all the way down Inguanez street you'll find The Greek Gate. It was named after a small Greek community living nearby.

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