Mdina
Mdina (also called L-Imdina or Città Notabile, sometimes Medina) is the old capital of Malta. It is a medieval town, with narrow quiet streets, situated in the centre of the island. It is also known as the "Silent City". It commands a magnificent view of the Island.
History
Evidence for settlement in Mdina goes back to over 4000 BC. It was first fortified by the Phoenicians around 700 BC, probably because of its strategic location on one of the highest points on the island and as far from the sea as possible. When Malta came under control of the Roman Empire, the Roman Governor built his palace there. It was here in 60 CE that the Apostle St. Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands. The city earned its present day name from the Sicilian Arabs who came to Malta around 870 CE. They surrounded the city with thick defensive walls and a wide moat, separating it from its nearest town, Rabat.
The Normans conquered Malta in 1091. A strong earthquake in 1693 destroyed a large number of buildings in Mdina. After the earthquake the Cathedral was rebuilt on the designs of the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa.
Present
Today, no cars (other than those of a limited number of residents, emergency vehicles, wedding cars and hearses) are allowed in Mdina and there is a calming atmosphere as one walks along its narrow streets and ways. The city displays an unusual mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, including several palaces, most of which serve as private homes. The Cathedral is worth visiting and is fronted by a large square.
Places of interest
- St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina
- Vilhena Palace
- Palazzo Falzon (Norman House)
- St. Agatha's Chapel
- St. Nicholas' Chapel
- Natural History Museum
- Mdina Dungeons
- Carmelite Church & Convent
- Mdina Experience
- Benedictine Monastery
- Bastions
Sports
Founded in 2006, the Mdina Knights are currently enjoying a positive moment in the third division league organised by Malta's football governing body, the Malta Football Association.
Mdina Main Roads
- Misraħ il-Kunsill Ċittà Notabile (Notabile City Council Square)
- Pjazza San Pawl (St Paul Square)
- Pjazza San Publiju (St Publius Square)
- Pjazza ta' l-Arċisqof (Archbishop Square)
- Pjazza Tas-Sur (Bastion Square)
- Pjazzetta Beata Marija Adeodata Pisani (Blessed Maria Adeodata Pisani Square)
- Triq Inguanez (Inguanez Street)
- Triq is-Sur (Bastion Street)
- Triq San Pawl (St Paul Street)
- Triq Santu Rokku (St Roch Street)
- Triq Villegaignon (Villegaignon Street)
External links
Photo Gallery
-
Defensive walls of the city -
View of Mdina from neighbouring town Rabat -
Mdina Gate, the city's main entrance -
Mdina Gate, the city's main entrance -
The Cathedral of St. Paul in the centre of Mdina -
Cathedral's interior -
Palazzo Falzon (Norman House) -
Typical narrow medieval street -
Typical Maltese door in Mdina -
Canon inscription
