Echoes of the past! Exploring heritage in Mdina, Rabat and their surrounding towns and villages
Mdina and Rabat are two enchanting towns in Malta that are steeped in rich heritage and history.
Mdina, often referred to as the 'Silent City,' is a fortified medieval marvel that transports visitors back in time. Its narrow cobblestone streets, majestic architecture, and ancient walls exude an aura of bygone eras. The town's imposing cathedral, palaces, and charming courtyards tell tales of knights, nobles, and centuries of cultural exchange.
Just beyond Mdina's walls lies Rabat, a town equally immersed in history. Rabat's catacombs, such as the famous St. Paul's Catacombs, offer a glimpse into early Christian life, while its Roman Villa showcases beautifully preserved mosaics.
The bustling town of Mosta is worth a visit as well as it holds the third-largest dome in Europe atop its imposing church. Finally, the neighbouring villages of Naxxar, Attard, Lija and Balzan also make for a charming walkthrough to experience their pretty, narrow streets and alleys, not to mention their stunning architectural masterpieces.
Here are some of the top heritage activities for all of you history enthusiasts!
Carmelite Priory Museum
The Carmelite Priory Museum offers a unique experience on the islands – a glimpse into the Carmelite way of life since the 17th century. You’ll be guided on a tour of the Baroque building and its grounds by a resident friar, who will show you around the frescoed refectory, peaceful courtyard and the Chapter Hall, featuring a notable painting by Mattia Preti’s workshop ‘St Cecilia’, among others. Don’t miss a visit to the adjoining beautifully restored Carmelite Church, home to numerous artworks.
Villegaignon Street, Mdina (2145 4524, www.carmelitepriory.org)
Casa Bernard
This mid-16th century palazzo is a captivating example of a living museum. It is the private home of local couple Josette and Georges Magri, who have lovingly restored the building and filled it with an impressive collection of furniture, paintings and objets d’art. The homeowners give regular guided tours of the house.
46, St Paul Street, Rabat (7944 4373, www.casabernardmalta.com)
Casa Bernard by Peter Bartolo Parnis - Fountain WEB
Church of St Dominic & Priory
If you’re a ‘Game of Thrones’ fan, chances are you’ll recognise the courtyard and garden within the impressive Dominican Priory, which was used as a filming location for the hit series. Inside the 16th-century church, meanwhile, countless treasures reside, including a beautiful marble statue of the Virgin Mary.
St Dominic Square, Rabat (2145 4592)
Church of Ta’ Giezu
Built in 1500, the Church of the Nativity of Our Lady, known locally as Ta’ Giezu, is among the oldest churches in Malta. Don’t let its unassuming façade fool you, for it conceals a lavish interior, which has been recently restored after suffering significant damage in 2017 when parts of its roof collapsed.
St Joseph Street, Rabat (2145 4594)
Domvs Romana
This ancient townhouse was once home to a wealthy Roman aristocrat. Now a museum, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the family’s way of life, featuring intricate mosaic floors and several precious Roman remains which have survived for centuries – including a set of marble statues portraying Emperor Claudius and his family.
Museum Esplanade, Rabat (2145 4125, www.heritagemalta.mt)
Domus Romana. Gallery image 5. Photo by Kevin Casha WEB
Mdina Cathedral Museum
After Mdina’s medieval Sicolo-Norman cathedral was tragically damaged by an earthquake in 1693, a fine collection of treasures was salvaged and housed within this marvellous Baroque building. Today, this former seminary, home to a priceless collection of silverware, furniture, paintings, coins, and impressive woodcuts by Albrecht Dürer, among other artworks, is also the first museum in Malta with specialised services for visitors with autism.
Archbishop Square, Mdina (2145 4697, www.metropolitanchapter.com)
The Metropolitan Cathedral of St Paul
This magnificent Baroque cathedral is difficult to miss as it towers over Mdina’s main square. Designed by celebrated Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà, it’s also home to several riches including an apse mural of ‘The Shipwreck of St Paul’ painted by Mattia Preti’s bottega assistants, as well as a baptismal font dating back to 1495.
St Paul Square, Mdina (2145 6620, www.metropolitanchapter.com)
Mosta Church
Famed for its remarkable unsupported dome – the third largest in Europe – Mosta’s prominent rotunda is a must-visit. Apart from its impressive size, its second claim to fame is what many locals consider a miracle. During World War II, a bomb pierced the dome during mass, but didn’t explode. Today, visitors can view a bomb replica, with the caption ‘Il-Miraklu Tal-Bomba (The Miracle of The Bomb), April 9, 1942’ proudly displayed within, along with notable paintings by renowned Maltese artist Giuseppe Calì.
Rotunda Square, Mosta (2143 3826, www.mostachurch.com)
National Museum of Natural History
On your right, as you pass through the wonderful main gate of the Silent City, one of the first buildings you’ll notice is the 18th-century Vilhena Palace, which houses the National Museum of Natural History. The island’s natural biodiversity and environmental science are showcased through a collection of over one million specimens, dioramas of local habitats, and display areas covering topics ranging from palaeontology to human evolution.
Vilhena Palace, St Publius Square, Mdina (2145 5951, www.heritagemalta.mt)
Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum
Once home to scholar and philanthropist Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher, this palazzo is Mdina’s second-oldest building. It has been restored and open to the public since 2001, and houses an exceptional array of paintings, manuscripts, jewellery, and other objets d’art.
Villegaignon Street, Mdina (2145 4512, www.palazzofalson.com)
Palazzo Parisio & Gardens
Built by Grand Master Manuel de Vilhena in the 1730s and later embellished by Marquis Giuseppe Scicluna, the spectacular Palazzo Parisio remains a private residence today. The opulent interiors feature gilded salons and frescoed walls, while elegant afternoon tea is served in its beautiful Baroque gardens.
Victory Square, Naxxar (2141 2461, www.palazzoparisio.com)
St Agatha’s Historical Complex
This remarkable complex features a museum, a crypt and a well-preserved underground cemetery dating back date to the 2nd and 3rd centuries, and the early days of Christianity in Malta. Visit the crypt to see an altar carved out of rock and some of the oldest frescoes in Malta.
St Agatha Street, Rabat (2145 4503, www.stagathamalta.com)
St Paul’s Catacombs
This complex of interconnected, underground Roman cemeteries served as a burial ground during Punic and Roman times, and is considered to be the earliest and largest archaeological evidence of Christianity in Malta. There is also evidence that these catacombs were used for pagan, Jewish and Christian burials between the 4th and 8th centuries.
St Agatha Street, Rabat (2145 4562, www.heritagemalta.mt)
SPC WEB
Villa Bologna
The 18th-century Villa Bologna makes for a stunning example of Baroque and Neoclassical architecture. From the centuries-old citrus orchard to the ornate fountains and sprawling lawns, the gardens are lovely to roam around on a warm day.
30, St Anthony Street, Attard (9953 7925, www.villabologna.com)
Wignacourt Museum Complex
There’s plenty to explore at this complex, which features St Paul’s Grotto, catacombs, World War II shelters, and the Wignacourt Museum. Among its many treasures, the museum features an impressive collection of paintings by European and Maltese artists, including Mattia Preti, Antoine Favray and Francesco Zahra, while the café located in the garden is a great spot for a snack.
Parish Square, College Street, Rabat (2749 4905, www.wignacourtmuseum.com)
Have you visited any of these heritage attractions?