Historic gems! Could Cittadella and Mdina be Malta's next UNESCO World Heritage Sites?
Malta's Prime Minister, Robert Abela, has announced that Cittadella in Gozo and Mdina will be proposed for inclusion in the prestigious UNESCO World Heritage List!
The Cittadella is a historic fortress that overlooks Gozo from its central, elevated vantage point in Victoria, offering breathtaking views of the sister island. Evidence suggests that the site has likely been inhabited since the Late Neolithic period, making it a treasure trove of archaeological significance.
Mdina, known as the 'Silent City', boasts an equally rich history. It served as the capital of Malta from ancient times until the Knights of St John made Valletta the new capital in the 16th century. The walled city is home to stunning architecture, including medieval and baroque buildings, and even the narrow streets themselves tell fascinating stories of centuries gone by.
Malta already has several UNESCO-listed sites, including the entire city of Valletta and various megalithic temples scattered across the islands, such as Hal Saflieni Hypogeum (Paola), Mnajdra (Qrendi), Hagar Qim temples (Qrendi), and Ggantija (Xaghra, Gozo).
Both Cittadella and Mdina have been part of Malta’s tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for several years - could this be their time to shine?
Do you think these two sites will receive the prestigious title?