Mdina, Malta _ What To See _ Do in Mdina, the Silent City of Malta_ A Walking Tour Guide

Mdina is a fortified city of enchanting beauty, located on the picturesque Mediterranean island of Malta. Its fascinating history, with evidence of settlement before 4000 BC, makes it one of Malta's oldest and most captivating places. The Phoenicians were the first to establish a settlement, which later became the city of Melita under Roman rule in 218 BC. Over the centuries, it was shaped by the Romans, Arabs, and Normans, each leaving their unique mark on the city's stunning architecture. Mdina was Malta's ancient capital, before the Knights of the Order of Saint John arrived in 1530. The popular name Silent City emerged when the capital moved from Mdina to Valletta. Very few inhabitants remained within the city walls, and people began considering it a ghost town. The name is still appropriate today because its streets are quiet, the atmosphere is peaceful, and numerous signs around town advise visitors to be silent, and not disturb the people living there. Mdina is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, that every visitor to Malta should see, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the island. Before you head out on a day trip to Mdina, be sure to bring an umbrella or a raincoat. The weather in Malta can change instantly, and there are not many places to seek shelter from the rain. The good news is that the downpours are usually brief, after 10 to 20 minutes, the sun often comes out in full force, revealing a landscape that makes the wait worthwhile. What to see, and do, in Mdina? Start your walking tour of Mdina by entering through the main gate, also known as the Viljina Gate. Built in the 1720s in a Baroque style, it was part of Grand Master Antoine de Viljina's organization of the city's entrance. The gate is decorated with double pilasters, the coat of arms of Grand Master Antonio Manuel de Viljina, the coat of arms of the city of Mdina, a trophy of arms, and a Latin inscription. The back of the gate is decorated with statues of Saint Publius, Saint Agatha, and Saint Paul, the patron saints of Malta. After entering Mdina's gate, you'll see the impressive 18th-century Palazzo Viljina on your right. Also known as the Magisterial Palace, it was the residence of the Grand Master of the Order of Saint John in Mdina. Charles-François de Mondillon designed it, in the French Baroque style in the 1720s. It once served as a hospital and sanatorium, and today, it is home to the National Museum of Natural History, which features extensive geological and palaeontological exhibit collections. Mdina Dungeons Museum is situated next to the main gate. It features underground passageways, chambers, and cells that provide a chilling glimpse into the harsh punishments of the past. Looking straight ahead from the main gate, you will see the monastery and the Church of Saint Peter. The origins of these religious buildings date back to the Middle Ages. Saint Peter's Church was rebuilt in its current form in 1625, while the adjacent monastery was rebuilt in 1690, and displays artifacts and tools that nuns used to comfort their lives. Just around the corner, you will see the Baroque Church of Saint Agatha, which is of great historical importance. It was built in 1694 to replace an earlier medieval church, founded in 1410 after an earthquake. After 200 meters, you reach the large square Piazza San Paul, where you will see the imposing Baroque Cathedral of Saint Paul from the 17th century. Lorenzo Gaffer designed it after an earthquake in Sicily in 1693 severely damaged the original 12th-century cathedral. Right next to the cathedral is the museum, which has a fascinating collection of religious artifacts, including ancient documents, coins, and works of art from the 14th to the 20th century. Next to Saint Paul's Cathedral is the beautiful Casa Gorgian, a 19th-century neo-Gothic nobleman's house. This historic residence now serves as a privately owned house museum, dedicated to preserving and sharing De Piro Gorgian's legacy and collection, with present and future generations. The Palazzo Santa Sofia, Mdina's oldest surviving medieval building, is a short walk from Saint Paul's Cathedral. The ground floor originates from the 13th century, while the upper floor was constructed less than a century ago. Its architectural style is Gothic Chioramonte, but unfortunately, the palace is not open to the public. Right next to Palazzo Santa Sofia is the Carmelite Church and Priory Complex, built in the late 17th century on an earlier medieval church site. The Carmelite Church is one of the most important centralized churches in Maltese Baroque architecture, and is the first church built in Malta on an elliptical plan. Inside, visitors can admire masterpieces by renowned artists. The stone statue of Our Lady of Carmel from 1817, is in the outside corner of the church. About 20 meters from the Carmelite Church is Palazzo Fulson, a large medieval noble townhouse, and the second oldest building in Mdina. It was built in the 13th century, in the Chioramonte Gothic architectural style. Today, Palazzo Fulson is a museum of antiquities and fine arts. After visiting Palazzo Fulson, stroll to the stunning Bastion Square, about 100 meters away. Bastion Square is a small market square, where locals and tourists can enjoy stunning views of Malta, stretching to the coast. The sunsets from this viewpoint are breathtaking, casting warm colors over the city. Just a few steps away are the Fontanella Tea Gardens, and Cughi's Restaurant and Tea Garden, where you can sit down to eat or treat yourself to a coffee and cake while enjoying the view. About 100 meters from Bastion Square is the Knights of Malta Museum. The museum allows visitors to explore the knights' heritage, and their role in Malta's history, since their arrival on the island in the 16th century. You can continue down Tric Mesquita to see the Greek Gate, a secondary entrance to Mdina. The Baroque façade was built in 1724 by Charles-François de Mondion, as part of a restoration program, undertaken during the reign of Grand Master Antonio Manuel de Vilhena. About 250 meters down Tric Inguanes, you will find the Court Capitanali, a Baroque-style building constructed between 1726 and 1728. It is a former courthouse in Mdina that currently serves as the town hall. After you've finished sightseeing, stroll through the streets of Mdina, where you'll feel like you've stepped back in time. Its narrow, winding streets and medieval architecture exude an air of mystery and centuries of history, making a walk through them genuinely magical. You'll see many impressive noble palaces and residences, where descendants of the original families still live. Around every corner, you'll be surprised by new details on the walls, beautiful flowers and unusual doors, so you'll have no problem taking the perfect photos. Before you venture outside the fortified city walls to explore the surrounding area, consider riding in a traditional Maltese horse-drawn carriage, that dates back to the mid-19th century. These carriages are popular with tourists, who want to explore Mdina's unique highlights. Just outside the fortified city walls is the Mdina Ditch Gardens. First built in the 15th century, Mdina's ditch was rebuilt by the architect Charles François de Mondillon, during the Knights of St. John's. It was transformed into a public garden in 2013, allowing visitors to walk around the magnificent Mdina bastions. The ditch is now used as a space for festivals, fairs, and concerts. After visiting Mdina, on your way to Rabat, you will see Howard Gardens, one of the largest public gardens in Malta. It is located between Rabat and Mdina, next to a Roman villa, forming a natural border between the two cities. Howard Gardens is an ideal place to relax, after sightseeing in Mdina. Before you cross the street and visit the neighbouring city of Rabat, you can stop by one of the many restaurants near Mdina to refresh yourself, enjoy lunch, and take a break. If you liked this video, don't forget to check out our video guide on what to see and do in Rabat, which is linked in the description below. Thank you very much for watching, and see you again soon.