Mdina is encircled by defensive fortress walls and is located on one of Malta’s tallest hills. This small city of Malta, which was discovered in the eighth century BC by Phoenician Settlers, served as the foundation for the medieval city of Mdina that stands today. Many buildings constructed over a century ago have been maintained, and the city’s winding lanes recount centuries of history and the numerous monarchs who ruled Malta. Malta’s great outer fortifications were completed in the 11th century. Large portions of Malta can be seen from Mdina, and the view of the skyline as you ascend to Rabat from the island’s center is legendary.
As you enter the city and stroll through its streets, you can nearly taste the city’s history. There is no denying that this city was proudly constructed by prominent individuals who desired to construct a little fortress that would be simple to protect against enemy attacks. You are free to stroll about and take in the view of the ancient bastions from beneath, which are surrounded by ditches which have been transformed into a public garden.
The interior alleys are all covered in big stones and cobblestones, and you can frequently hear horse-drawn carriages transporting tourists throughout the city. Stately structures surround you, each constructed at a different time in Mdina’s history and showcasing a distinctive architectural style.
The massive St. Paul’s Cathedral and the little square in front of it make up the center of the neighborhood. A few chapels are accessible to the public in a few of the side streets. Although it’s small and difficult to get lost, the streets are winding and tight, giving the impression that you’re trying to navigate through a maze. With all the hubbub of daily life in Malta’s livelier areas, the calm inside the city’s walls is highly apparent and significantly enhances the city’s charm as well as its expansive vistas of the island.
