Mdina

 

Mdina, located in the center of the island, was Malta’s capital in medieval times. It also goes by the name “The Silent City” and you will understand why when you pass beyond the city walls into the narrow, shady and quiet alleyways inside. The fortified palace was once the residence of the powerful nobleman who ruled the island. Today, the city has an almost ghostlike atmosphere, though it is still the home of some direct descendants of the noble families of yesteryear.

Mdina, captures a microcosm of history, architecture within its ancient walls. Known as the Silent City, it offers excellent cafes and restaurants housed discreetly in its old palazzos, gardens and battlement terraces, charming craft shops, chapels, the cathedral with its museum and gallery, a Norman house, open to the public, a natural history museum and the Mdina Dungeons with life size maniquins depicting scenes from the city's history.

The history of Mdina and its suburb Rabat is as old and as chequered as the history of Malta itself.  Mdina, Malta’s medieval capital, can trace its origins back more than 4000 years.  Rabat can claim the origins of Maltese Christianity.  It was here in A.D. 60 that the Apostle St Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands.  Both Mdina and Rabat are fascinating to tour for their timeless atmosphere and their cultural and religious treasures. 

Mdina has had different names and titles depending on its rulers and its role. It was Melita to the Romans; Medina to the Arabs; and Citta’ Vecchia, the old city, when Valletta became the lifeblood of the Islands.  None describe it better than its medieval name, Citta’ Notabile, the noble city. 

It was home then, as now, to Malta’s noble families; some are descendants of the Norman, Sicilian and Spanish overlords who made Mdina their home from the 12th century onwards. Their Impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets. Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city, and unusual in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture. 

Today Mdina has a quiet, restrained atmosphere in keeping with its noble past.  Lamplit by night, Mdina transforms itself into the ‘Silent City’.  For a relaxed evening, seek out the restaurants tucked away in its bastions and palace courtyards.

Facilities
Company	Contact	Address	Information
Lodgings
The Xara Palace - Relais & Chateaux		COUNCIL SQUARE MDINA RBT 12 tel: 21450560 fax: 21452612 e-mail	The Xara Palace, offering 17 individually designed suites and spectacular panoramic views over the island and out to sea, is a landmark in Mdina. Now brought completely up to date to the highest international standards, this historic building still retains the time-honoured character for which it is famed both locally and abroad. Guests feel part of an intimate and secluded yet eclectic atmosphere. Here one can discover and savour the past whilst enjoying every amenity and comfort of the present.
Eating
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