Mdina walking tour & city guide
The Silent City, a walled medieval town on a hilltop.
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Mdina, Malta's old capital, is a walled town of noble palaces and narrow lanes on a hill in the middle of the island. Only a few hundred people live inside its walls, and cars are mostly banned, which earned it the name 'the Silent City'.
Inside the walls
Visitors enter through the Baroque Main Gate, which appeared in 'Game of Thrones', into a maze of quiet streets lined with palaces. St Paul's Cathedral, rebuilt after an earthquake in 1693, stands on the site where the Roman governor Publius is said to have met Saint Paul after his shipwreck on Malta.
From the Bastion Square on the northern walls, the view stretches across the whole island to the sea, with Valletta and the dome of the Mosta Rotunda in the distance.
Rabat
Mdina's neighbor, Rabat, has early Christian catacombs, St Paul's Grotto and the remains of a Roman villa. Its streets are livelier than Mdina's and are known for traditional pastizzi shops. Buses from Valletta take about 30 minutes.
Top sights in Mdina
- 1
Main Gate
The Baroque entrance to the walled city.
- 2
St Paul's Cathedral
Mdina's Baroque cathedral.
- 3
Bastion Square
A panoramic view across Malta.
- 4
Palazzo Falson
A medieval nobleman's house turned museum.
- 5
St Paul's Catacombs
Early Christian burial sites in Rabat.
Food markets & where to eat in Mdina
Rabat's main square
Traditional pastizzi shops and local cafés.
Bastion walls
Cafés with views across the island.
Food to try in Mdina
Pastizzi
The island's favorite snack, best in Rabat.
Imqaret
Fried pastries filled with dates.
Maltese bread
A crusty sourdough loaf, eaten with olive oil and tomato.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Mdina
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in MdinaCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Mdina.
- eSIM for MaltaStay online from the moment you land.
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