Mdina, Malta: Travel Guide to the Silent City

Mdina, perched on a hilltop in the centre of Malta, is one of Europe's most beautiful fortified medieval cities. Known as the "Silent City," it has fewer than 300 residents and very few cars, and its narrow, winding streets lined with honey-coloured palaces, churches and courtyards seem frozen in time. Mdina was Malta's capital until 1530, when the Knights of St John arrived, and it has been inhabited for around 4,000 years. Together with its neighbouring town of Rabat, it offers catacombs, Roman villas and stunning views over the island.

Top 5 Must-Visit Attractions in Mdina

1. Mdina Gate and the Medieval Streets

Visitors enter Mdina through the grand Baroque Main Gate, built in 1724 under Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, across a stone bridge over a dry moat. Fans of Game of Thrones may recognise it as the gate of King's Landing from the first season. Inside, the town's history stretches back to the Phoenicians, who called it Maleth; the Romans knew it as Melite, and the Arabs gave it its current name, from medina, meaning "walled city." Wandering through its quiet alleys, past noble palaces with ornate balconies and carved doorways, is the best way to experience its unique atmosphere, especially in the early morning or evening.

Booking tip: a guided walking tour of Mdina and Rabat on GetYourGuide reveals the city's history and legends; visit outside midday to avoid tour groups.

2. St. Paul's Cathedral and Cathedral Museum

St. Paul's Cathedral, Mdina's most important building, stands on the site where, according to tradition, the Roman governor Publius met St. Paul after the apostle was shipwrecked on Malta in 60 CE. The original church was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693, and the present Baroque cathedral, designed by Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà, was completed in 1702. Its interior features a magnificent dome, marble tombstones and paintings by Mattia Preti. The nearby Cathedral Museum displays religious art, silver, coins and an important collection of engravings by Albrecht Dürer.

Booking tip: one ticket usually covers both the cathedral and the museum; dress modestly.

3. Palazzo Falson and Vilhena Palace

Palazzo Falson, one of the oldest buildings in Mdina, dating back to the 13th century, is a historic house museum filled with antique furniture, paintings, silverware, weapons and a library, collected by its last owner, Olof Gollcher. The elegant Vilhena Palace, built in the 1720s, houses the National Museum of Natural History. Nearby, Bastion Square offers panoramic views over central and northern Malta, as far as the coast.

Booking tip: audio guides at Palazzo Falson bring the house's history to life.

4. Rabat: St. Paul's Catacombs and Domus Romana

Just outside Mdina's walls, the town of Rabat is home to the St. Paul's Catacombs, a vast network of underground Roman and Byzantine burial chambers dating from the 3rd century. Beneath the Church of St. Paul, St. Paul's Grotto is believed to be where the apostle lived during his stay in Malta. The Domus Romana displays the remains of a wealthy Roman townhouse with beautiful mosaic floors. Rabat's famous Crystal Palace bar is a local favourite for pastizzi.

Booking tip: combined Heritage Malta tickets can save money.

5. Dingli Cliffs, Mosta Rotunda and Mdina Glass

Southwest of Mdina, the Dingli Cliffs, Malta's highest point at about 250 metres above the sea, offer breathtaking views, especially at sunset. On the way, the Mosta Rotunda, with one of the largest unsupported domes in the world, is famous for a German bomb that pierced the dome in 1942 during a service but did not explode. At Ta' Qali Crafts Village, you can watch glassblowers create colourful Mdina Glass.

Booking tip: combine these sights on a half-day tour.

Practical Travel Tips for Mdina

Before You Go

• Entry: Malta is a member of the EU and the Schengen Area; check visa requirements for your nationality.
• Respect the silence: keep noise to a minimum, as Mdina is a residential city.

Getting Around

• By bus: direct buses connect Mdina and Rabat with Valletta in about 30 minutes.
• By taxi: ride-hailing apps such as Bolt and eCabs are widely used.
• On foot: Mdina is small and best explored on foot; cars are restricted.
• Money: the currency is the euro.
• Languages: Maltese and English.

Local Culinary Specialties

• Pastizzi: flaky pastries filled with ricotta or mushy peas.
• Fontanella chocolate cake: enjoyed on the bastion terrace of the Fontanella Tea Garden.
• Rabbit stew: Malta's national dish.
• Ħobż biż-żejt: Maltese bread with tomato, olive oil, tuna and capers.

Best Time to Visit

• April–June and September–October: pleasant temperatures.
• April: the Medieval Mdina festival.
• Evenings: the best time to experience Mdina's silence.

Conclusion: Plan Your Trip to Mdina

Mdina combines medieval charm, Baroque architecture and centuries of history. Whether you're walking its silent streets, exploring the catacombs of Rabat or enjoying cake on the bastions, Mdina is unforgettable.

Plan ahead: book your tours on GetYourGuide, and get ready to discover the Silent City.