Striking Norman and Baroque architecture, torture dungeons, spooky streets lit by lanterns, the set of Game of Thrones, and so much more...
On the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Mdina (aka 'the Silent City') is a fortified city which served as Malta's capital during the medieval period, right up until the arrival of the Order of St John in 1530. Time has stood still in Mdina, and nowadays, the city retains its medieval style confined within its walls, with a population of just under 300.
The city was founded in the 8th century BC by Phoenician settlers, and was later renamed Melite by the Romans. Ancient Melite was larger than present day Mdina, and was reduced to its present size by the building of an entrenchment during the Byzantine or Arab occupation of Malta.
Although abandoned as the capital city, Mdina still remained the centre of the Maltese nobility and religious authorities for years, some of which still reside there today, although it never regained its pre-1530 importance.
To this day, the city displays an unusual mix of Norman and Baroque architecture, including several palaces, most of which serve as private homes. Property continues to largely be passed down within noble families from generation to generation. Mdina is also a limited car zone, which is part of the reason it has earned its nickname, the Silent City.
Despite its small size, there are loads of different things to do once inside the fortified walls; from visiting a glorious palazzo to the spooky Mdina Dungeons torture museum, The National Museum of Natural History, or stopping off at The Mdina Experience to gain a deeper understanding of the old capital's history.
In addition to the wonders within the city itself, various cathedrals and catacombs are located within walking distance in the area around Mdina's walls, called Rabat. Oh, and if you're wondering whether some of this looks familiar, no, you haven't been here before - you might recognise Mdina from tv series Game of Thrones! It was the filming location for the capital city of King's Landing in season one.
And this week, don't miss: Medieval Mdina, 5th-6th May
Catch a glimpse of what Mdina might have felt like in the Middle Ages at the annual Medieval Mdina Festival, which puts the entire city in an atmosphere from the medieval era, allowing visitors to travel back in time to the days of knighthood. Organised by the Mdina Local Council, the two days of the festival brings the streets to life, with musicians playing on corners and squares. Re-enactments of scenes from medieval times are carried out, such as the town crier, a slave market, a medieval kitchen, sword fighting, archery and a medieval tavern. There are also battles and skirmishes, magic shows, falconry displays, parades and flag throwing shows among various other events. Museums, churches and other historic places are open to all visitors this weekend, so there isn't a better time to visit!