What to see in Mdina, Malta's ancient and fascinating former capital

Mdina , or Medina in its Italian form, is the ancient capital of Malta , a city now inhabited by just a few hundred people, but which preserves the vestiges of a past as ancient as it is glorious, which has seen the peoples of the Mediterranean pass through its narrow streets over the course of almost 30 centuries of history.

From the historic center to the most panoramic viewpoint, here's what not to miss on a trip exploring this ancient city.

The history of Mdina

The Mdina area is today a region of the island where archaeological evidence has demonstrated an uninterrupted presence of human settlements since the 4th millennium BC. The first traces of the city date back to 1000 BC when the Phoenicians settled throughout the island and, from that moment on, Mdina was a crossroads of peoples, cultures, clashes and encounters (it is even said that the apostle Paul found refuge there after a shipwreck).

Mdina's current appearance is mainly due to Arab rule , the period in which the city walls were built, thus creating the foundations of the urban center that developed around them, Rabat . The city's other great period of development was during the 16th-17th centuries, when the Knights of Malta , the Knights of the Order of St. John, settled there, acting as a catalyst for urban growth. Mdina's decline, however, coincided with the great earthquake of 1693, when much of the city was damaged and the capital was moved to Valletta .

Today, Mdina is primarily a tourist attraction, visited every year by thousands of tourists who flock to its walls to discover its secrets and "lose" themselves in the maze of narrow streets of the oldest center , where the old palaces of Malta's noble families still tower over the lower buildings.

What to see

Here are the most interesting destinations and attractions not to be missed on a trip to Mdina, an adventure in the fascinating and ancient former capital. Mdina's main attraction is its historic center , a fascinating network of narrow streets that wind between the buildings of the ancient city like a spider's web. It's worth exploring at your leisure to admire the most evocative views.

Although the center is not very large, it is very easy to lose your bearings in this maze of streets and the best option before entering is to visit the Tourist Office located at the entrance to the city where, in addition to a map and some advice on what to see, you can get some information on the history of Mdina and Rabat .

The ancient gateway to the city is a favorite spot for tourists who, upon arrival, want to take a souvenir photo: the restoration has made the gate a true architectural jewel, now a symbol of the city.

St. Paul's Square

In the heart of Mdina stands St. Paul's Square , the ancient forum of Mdina , which overlooks the Cathedral and some elegant buildings such as Palazzo Santa Sofia, Palazzo Gatto, Palazzo de Piro and the headquarters of the Bank of Malta, all built in an elegant Baroque style.

St. Paul's Cathedral is the most important religious building in the area: an imposing structure built in the late 17th century after the previous cathedral was destroyed by fire. This demonstrates the Maltese people's deep religious sentiment toward the Apostle Paul, who lived in Mdina. Inside the church, you can admire a rich and spectacular fresco decoration dedicated to St. Paul and an impressive silver altar crafted in the 18th century.

Remaining in the Cathedral area, it is worth visiting Palazzo de Piro , once one of the residences of a noble Maltese family and today the venue for highly important cultural events, where, between exhibitions, presentations and conferences, it is also possible to have a drink in the charming bar created from the palace's old stables, a unique setting in which to spend an out-of-the-ordinary evening.

Archbishop's Square

Next to the Cathedral, in Archbishop's Square, you can visit the St. Paul's Cathedral Museum , which houses a rich collection of sacred vestments, icons, an interesting collection of Roman archaeological finds, and the archives of the Bishop of Mdina: an extraordinary and fascinating testimony to the city's millennia-old history. Temporary exhibitions of contemporary art and photography are also frequently held in its rooms, making the museum one of the city's most active cultural institutions.

Howard Public Gardens

If you're looking for a quiet, cool place to take a relaxing stroll, the perfect destination is the Howard Public Gardens , at the foot of the city walls' central bastion. Among the palm trees and fountains, you'll find the last residents of the old city chatting in the shade. Furthermore, just a few steps from the center of the gardens are the remains of a large Roman villa , an archaeological attraction well worth visiting.

Tas-sur Square

To admire one of the most beautiful and evocative views of Mdina, head to Piazza Tas-sur , the lookout square, located on an ancient bastion of the city walls. A pedestrian area has been created from which you can see the city's rooftops. A captivating experience at sunset, when the colors of the setting sun create a romantic and enchanting atmosphere.

The Medieval Festival

Mdina is a fascinating destination year-round, but it truly shines during the Mdina Medieval Festival , a grand celebration that involves the entire historic center in a spectacle that transports the city back to its former glory, with swordsmen, soldiers, ladies, and knights filling the streets. The festival is held annually at the end of April and is also the occasion when many noble palaces, closed to the public during the year, open their doors to visitors who can admire the sumptuous interior decorations.