Mdina is a fortified medieval town enclosed in bastions, located on a large hill in the centre of Malta. The town was the old capital of Malta, and with its narrow streets, few inhabitants and beatuful views over the Island it is truly a magical town. Mdina is referred to as the “Silent City” by Maltese and visitors alike – no cars (except those of a limited number of residents) have permission to enter Mdina and the town provides a relaxing atmosphere among the visitors walking its narrow streets and alleyways.
Mdina was first inhabited and fortified around 700 BC by the Phoenicians and was at that time called Maleth. Mdina benefits from its good location on the island’s highest point, far away from the sea. Under the Roman Empire the Roman governor built his palace in Mdina and it is said that even St. Paul stayed there after he was shipwrecked in Malta.
It was the Normans who surrounded the city with its thick defensive fortifications and they also widened the moat around Mdina. After an earthquake in 1693, there was the need to redesign parts of the city. This introduced Baroque designs within the city, and the Knights of Malta rebuilt the cathedral as well as the Magisterial Palace and Palazzo Falzon.
Your quest for history must have been satisfied here, Cherie – it has so much interesting past
Malta is rich with history and this old city is a gem.
There is no space outside each building for a garden. However the trees or vines flat against the walls provide gorgeous colours. I wish our house looked like that.
The place is typical of its time and is quite charming
Oh look at those bougainvilleas!
They reminded me of home.
Magenta is the most common colour, but we do have pink, white, yellow and orange colours too.
You can even graft different colours together to create a multicolour plant.
I used to have one in Malaysia, nicknamed Joseph.
Yes, named after the Amazing Technicolor Dream Bush.
I like the idea of rainbow colours
I love the idea of a silent city. I must plan a visit here!!
I would love to go back to Mdina and explore further