Mdina | Exploring Malta

Mdina is the former capital of Malta and a small fortified city located on a hilltop in the center of the main island. It is known as the “Silent City” (Città Notabile), a name it acquired due to the strict restrictions on traffic within its walls, which creates a tranquil atmosphere. With a population of slightly more than 200 inhabitants, it is one of the smallest and most exclusive communities on the island. The city is adjoined by the much larger town of Rabat, which historically served as its suburb and is located directly outside its main gate.

The character of Mdina is that of a perfectly preserved medieval and Baroque noble city. Its identity is defined by its massive defensive bastions, its maze of narrow, winding streets, and its collection of palaces and churches. The city’s high position offers panoramic views over a large part of the island of Malta. In the modern era, it has become one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. This combination of a living, residential city and an open-air museum gives Mdina its unique and timeless character.

The History of Mdina

The history of Mdina is the story of the ancient heart of Malta. This is a city with a long and mysterious past, with settlement on this strategic hilltop dating back thousands of years. Its development reflects the succession of powers that have ruled over the Maltese islands. The story of Mdina is one of its long reign as the island’s capital, its decline in importance with the arrival of the Knights, a major rebuilding phase after a catastrophic earthquake, and its modern revival as a cherished historical gem.

Ancient Maleth and Melite

The history of settlement on the Mdina hilltop is believed to date back to the Bronze Age. The Phoenicians are credited with first fortifying the city around the 8th century BC, naming it Maleth. The settlement grew in importance under the Romans, who renamed it Melite. During the Roman period, the city was much larger than it is today, encompassing a large part of the modern town of Rabat. It was the administrative and political center of the Roman province of Malta. According to tradition, it was here that the Apostle St. Paul lived after being shipwrecked on the island in 60 AD.

Medieval Medina and the Knights

The current, smaller boundaries of Mdina were established after the fall of the Western Roman Empire. It is believed that the city was reduced in size by either the Byzantines or the Arabs to make it more defensible. The city was conquered by the Aghlabids in 870 and was renamed Medina. The city was later conquered by the Normans in 1091 and became the seat of the Maltese nobility during the Middle Ages. When the Order of Saint John arrived in 1530, they chose the maritime city of Birgu as their new capital. This marked the beginning of Mdina’s decline in importance.

The 1693 Earthquake and Modern Era

The development of Mdina continued under the rule of the Order, and its fortifications were improved during the 16th century. A major event that reshaped the city was the 1693 Sicily earthquake, which caused significant damage to many of its buildings, including the medieval cathedral. This led to a major rebuilding project under the direction of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena in the early 18th century. Many of the buildings were rebuilt in the popular Baroque style of the period, which gives the city much of its current architectural character. During British rule, Mdina remained a quiet, aristocratic town, and after Malta’s independence, it has become one of the country’s most visited tourist sights.

Sights in Mdina

There is a lot to see within the small, fortified city of Mdina. The narrow streets, the many 18th-century palaces, and especially the fortifications that encircle the city are impressive. Mdina’s city walls offer a great view out over a large part of Malta. On a clear day, it is possible to spot the Grand Harbour and the high-rise buildings of St. Julian’s in the distance. The main points of interest are all located within the compact, pedestrian-only city walls.

Mdina Gate

The Mdina Gate, also called the Main Gate or the Vilhena Gate, is the main entrance to the fortified city. The ornate Baroque gate was completed in 1724 and was part of the restoration of the city by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. The gate leads visitors over a stone bridge that crosses the old dry moat. This is the main gate to the fortified city and the first major landmark that visitors encounter. It is a popular spot for photography.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

St. Paul’s Cathedral, or the Mdina Cathedral, is the main Roman Catholic cathedral of the city. The current Baroque-style cathedral was completed in 1705. It was built on the site of an earlier Norman cathedral that was severely damaged during the earthquake of 1693. The cathedral is dedicated to the apostle St. Paul and is considered a masterpiece of the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà. Its impressive dome is a key feature of the Mdina skyline.

The City Walls and Bastions

The fortifications of Mdina are one of its most impressive features. The massive limestone bastion walls encircle the entire city. It is possible to walk along the top of the ramparts, particularly at Bastion Square. From here, there are panoramic views over the surrounding countryside and a large part of the island. The main bastions, such as the D’Homedes Bastion and the Saint Peter Bastion, date back to the 16th century and were built by the Order of St. John to strengthen the city’s defenses.

Palazzo Vilhena

The Palazzo Vilhena, or the Vilhena Palace, is a French Baroque palace located just inside the Mdina Gate. The palace was built in the 1720s during the restoration of the city by Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena and served as his magisterial palace. The palace later served as a hospital in the 19th century. Since 1973, it has been the home of the National Museum of Natural History. The museum is run by Heritage Malta and showcases the geology and ecosystems of the Maltese islands.

Palazzo Falson

The Palazzo Falson, also known as the Norman House, is a historic residential building in Mdina that dates back to the 15th century. It is one of the best-preserved medieval buildings in the city. The palace is today a museum, the Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum. The 17 rooms of the museum are furnished to show the daily life of the Maltese nobility and also contain the extensive art and antique collection of its last private owner.

The Narrow Streets

One of the main sights of Mdina is the city itself. The interior of the fortified city is a maze of narrow, winding, and silent streets. Walking through these streets provides an experience of a medieval city that has been preserved in time. The streets are lined with the historic palaces of the Maltese noble families, as well as numerous small chapels and convents. The lack of car traffic contributes to the quiet and unique atmosphere of the city.

Mdina with Kids

The lack of car traffic within the city walls makes Mdina a perfect and relatively safe place to explore with children. While it is always necessary to keep a watchful eye, especially near the high bastion walls, Mdina feels much safer for pedestrians compared to many other parts of Malta where there is barely any space on the pavements. The large, open squares provide space for children to move around. The horse-drawn carriages (karozzin) are also a popular activity for families.

Playgrounds in Mdina

While there are no public playgrounds within the city walls of Mdina, there is a large and modern playground located just outside the main gate. This playground is situated in the Howard Gardens, in the dry moat that separates Mdina from the town of Rabat. Its location is perfect for a break before or after visiting the fortified city, or while waiting for a bus. The playground has a variety of slides, swings, and other attractions for children.

Sports in Mdina

Due to its small size and residential nature, Mdina does not have its own major sports clubs. However, the wider area, including the adjoining town of Rabat, is home to a major football club. The city of Mdina is also known for a unique annual motorsport event.

Football

The main football club representing the wider Mdina and Rabat area is Rabat Ajax F.C. This club has a long history in Maltese football. The historic football club of the city itself is Mdina Knights F.C., which competes in the lower divisions of the Maltese football league system.

Motorsport

A key annual sporting event is the Mdina Grand Prix. This is a classic car event that is held in the autumn. The event features races and demonstrations with vintage and classic cars on a circuit that runs on the roads around the fortified city. The event attracts classic car enthusiasts from across Europe and is a major highlight on the local sporting calendar.

Getting Around in Mdina

Navigating the city of Mdina is straightforward and is done almost entirely on foot. The city is a mostly pedestrian-only zone, with only a very limited number of vehicles allowed for residents and services.

On Foot: The Silent City

Walking is the only way to properly explore the historic core of Mdina. All the main sights, including the cathedral, the palaces, and the bastions, are located within a small, walkable area. The city’s narrow, winding streets are a key part of its charm and are best experienced at a slow pace. Comfortable shoes are essential for the cobblestone streets.

Local Buses

The main public transport hub for the area is located just outside the Mdina Gate, in the town of Rabat. This is a major hub for the Malta Public Transport bus network. Numerous bus routes connect Mdina and Rabat with the capital city of Valletta, the airport, and all the other major towns and tourist destinations on the island. The bus is the primary mode of public transport for reaching the city.

How to Get to Mdina

Reaching the city of Mdina is convenient, as it is one of Malta’s primary tourist destinations and is well-served by the national bus network. The city’s central location on the island makes it accessible from all other parts of the country.

The Open Road: Driving to Mdina

Driving to Mdina is possible from all other parts of the island. The city is located on the main road that runs through the center of Malta. However, be aware that driving within the city walls of Mdina is not permitted for the general public. There are several large public car parks located just outside the city walls, in the town of Rabat. From these car parks, it is a short walk to the main Mdina Gate.

Arriving by Air: Malta International Airport

The primary and sole gateway to the country is Malta International Airport (MLA). It is located in the town of Luqa, approximately 10 kilometers from Mdina. The airport is well-connected to major cities across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. From the airport, a taxi, a ride-sharing service, or a direct public bus service (Route X3) can be used to reach Mdina and Rabat.

Connecting by Coach

There are no major long-distance coach services in Malta due to the small size of the island. The entire country is served by the integrated national bus network operated by Malta Public Transport. The main bus terminal is located just outside the city gates of Valletta. Numerous routes from this terminal, as well as from the airport and other towns like Sliema and Buġibba, serve Mdina directly.

On Track: The Absence of Rail

There is no train service in Malta. The country does not have a railway network. Therefore, it is not possible to reach Mdina by train. A historic railway line did connect Mdina with Valletta during the British period, but it was closed in 1931. The old station building still stands outside the city walls.

An International Ferry Approach

It is possible to arrive in Malta by ferry. The main ferry terminal for international arrivals is located at the Valletta Waterfront. There are regular car and passenger ferry services that connect Malta with the port of Pozzallo in Sicily, Italy. From the ferry terminal in Valletta, it is a journey by bus or taxi to reach the city of Mdina.

Driving Distances

The driving distance from 10 regional cities, according to Google Maps:

• Rabat, Malta – 1 kilometer (0 h 10 min)
• Mosta, Malta – 5 kilometers (0 h 10 min)
• Buġibba, Malta – 11 kilometers (0 h 20 min)
• Sliema, Malta – 12 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• Paola, Malta – 12 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• St. Julian’s, Malta – 12 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• Valletta, Malta – 13 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• Mellieħa, Malta – 13 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• Birgu, Malta – 14 kilometers (0 h 30 min)
• Marsaxlokk, Malta – 18 kilometers (0 h 40 min)

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This post was first published 2022-03-03 and was updated 2025-07-26