For a tiny island, Malta has an unbelievable amount of forts, fortifications, batteries, entrenchments, watch towers and the like. From the Byzantines to the Knights of Malta to the British, each has left their mark in constructing the island's defences. And in these fortified cities of Malta and Gozo, time appears to stand still - they are places where past and present coexist in a mind-blowing orgasm for history buffs.
Mdina
Brief history
Mdina (aka The Silent City) began as a Bronze Age settlement. It was first founded as a city in the 8th century BC by Phoenician settlers. Later the Roman city of Melite, it was reduced to present-day Mdina with an entrenchment by the Byzantines. For many centuries, Mdina was the capital city of Malta and the home of Maltese nobility and the religious authorities. In 1530, The Knights of the Order of St John fortified Birgu and settled there, until Valletta was built in 1565.
What to expect
Today, with a population of just 300, Mdina retains its medieval style and unusual mix of Norman and Baroque palatial homes. Despite its small size, there are several things to do within the city walls. Check out the noble home Palazzo Falson, the Mdina Dungeons torture museum, The National Museum of Natural History, and The Mdina Experience. Also enjoy the views from the bastions and from the entrenchment, and don't miss St Paul’s Co Cathedral and the Cathedral museum.
The Three Cities
Brief history
The Three Cities are Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea (or Birgu, Bormla and Isla in Maltese, respectively). The oldest of the Three Cities is Birgu, which has its beginnings in the Middle Ages. The seafaring Knights of St John preferred Birgu’s location in the Grand Harbour over inland Mdina for their headquarters. They went about building Vittoriosa’s present fortifications, also founding Senglea and Cospicua in the 16th and 17th centuries.
What to expect
Today, the Three Cities still retain a very authentic local atmosphere, unspoilt by tourism or too much commercial activity. In Birgu, you’ll find Auberges and palaces built by the Knights, including the Inquisitor’s Palace. The Birgu Waterfront is, on the other hand, a trendy upmarket venue for al fresco dining beside a yacht marina, while the Isla Waterfront is an immersion in local lifestyle. Walking around any of these Three Cities is visiting contemporary life within history.
The Citadel (Gozo)
Brief history
Like Mdina, the Gozitan city’s origins date back to the Bronze Age, when it developed first into an acropolis. It was fortified during Medieval times and improved by the Knights. Therein, anything of any importance in Gozo would be kept safe from pirates and corsairs, including all of the island’s inhabitants at night.
What to expect
Today, much of the city is well-preserved and a full-blown restoration was recently undertaken. Outside the Citadel walls, the city of Rabat sprawls out as the laid back, charming capital of Gozo. Even though tiny, however, there are a surprising amount of things to do in the Citadel itself. Visit one of the many museums and enjoy the stunning view of the entire island from the walkway along the bastions.
Valletta
Brief history
Valletta! The capital of Malta is named after Grand Master de Vallette, who conceived and built it after the Great Siege of 1565. Valletta was later house of the British and was deeply entangled in World War II. Valletta’s story is written on her every stone, and de Vallette’s vision that it should be a cultural centre in Europe was a wish granted, especially in 2018 with Valletta’s title of European Capital of Culture.
What to expect
Today, this city of the Knights of Malta remains nothing short of magnificent with its ensemble of architecture, art, culture, business and unique local character; all atop a hill peninsula between Marsamxett Harbour and the iconic Grand Harbour. You’ll never run short of things to do in Valletta. Visit St John’s Co Cathedral, the Auberges of the Knights, palaces, one of several museums and gardens, hang out in a piazza cafe or ramble along the streets of ‘one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world’, as UNESCO put it.
Malta’s fortified cities are not only charming remnants of an intriguing history but possess extraordinary, unique character even today. Be sure to visit them all during your stay.