One of Europe’s Finest Medieval Cities!, Mdina, Malta

The mysterious golden-stone Arabic walled city of Mdina stands on a hilltop, and is a world apart from modern Malta. Its hidden lanes offer exquisite architectural detail and respite from the day-tripping crowds, who largely stick to the main street. Today, with its massive walls and peaceful, shady streets, it is often referred to as the Silent City, a nickname that becomes particularly appropriate after dark.

Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and is extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. This is because a strong earthquake destroyed parts of Mdina in 1693, after which the Knights of Malta rebuilt the cathedral and erected buildings such as Palazzo Falzon and the Magisterial Palace in Baroque style. The city has also been the backdrop for major motion pictures and television series, including the Game of Thrones.

Walking around Mdina is like walking through time. Sitting on top of a hill overlooking large parts of Malta, it’s a small town, rich in history and surrounded by tall bastion fortifications. It’s filled with centuries-old buildings, most of which been well maintained throughout the ages.

It’s on most postcards and is a must in all the painters’ portfolio, yet the sight of Mdina as you are driving up to Rabat is a view that does not fail to amaze every time. Standing proudly on one of Malta’s highest promontories, it looks like a medieval walled city straight out of a fairy tale. It is an inspiring view; a city that hundreds of years after it was built still commands respect, awe, and curiosity about its tales. And what tales, innumerable and long-winding given the city’s long history! ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).