The Medieval, Fortified City of Mdina, Malta
Mdina is a captivating medieval city, surrounded by thick fortified walls, where narrow, cobblestoned streets wind past incredible architecture. As if that weren’t enough, the city was built on Malta’s highest point and boasts spectacular views of the countryside and coastline.
First inhabited and fortified by the Phoenicians around 700 BC, it later became the home of the Romans, Italian Muslims and the Normans. The city served as the capital of Malta until the arrival of the Order of St. John in 1530. Today, only 250 inhabitants live within its walls and vehicles are limiited, earning Mdina the nickname of the “Silent City”.
Mdina dominates the landscape when traveling from the North.
A closer look at this ancient city’s exterior.
The City Gate
The Game of Thrones filmed multiple scenes in various Malta loctions. You may recognize Mdina’s gate as the entrance to King’s Landing!
Travel back through history by walking the maze of narrow, cobbled streets.
This could easily be a setting straight out of The Game of Thrones!
Looking into the central garden of the Nunnery of St. Benedict.
About 20 nuns still live in this nunnery in total isolation, devoting their days to prayer and maintenance of the garden.
This iron gate is tucked inside an administrative building.
The Magisterial Palace, was once the summer palace of Grand Master De Velhenz, whose bronze relief is above the door. It now houses The National Museum of Natural HIstory.
The Howard Gardens outside the thick defensive walls of Mdina.
The romantic City Gate at night.
The breathtaking view of Malta from atop the city’s southern wall.
The afternoon sun illuminates a Maltese town.
WOW!