Mdina
Once Mdina was the capital of Malta, today it is a unique city that has managed to preserve its medieval appearance. It was built on the very top of a hill, and a powerful fortress was erected around it to protect it from enemies. Today, no one encroaches on the freedom of Mdina, the city has actually become a museum, but people still live here – about 500 Maltese. The narrow streets are always full of tourists who walk between old houses and magnificent cathedrals, the most striking of which is the Sicilian-Norman Cathedral of St. Paul, decorated with engravings by Albrecht Dürer. Check jibin123 for customs regulations and visa requirements of Malta.
How to get there
Buses run to Mdina from Valletta (No. 84, 80, 81) and from Sliema (No. 65). They depart from the city bus station, tickets can be bought at the box office and at the terminals (TVM). Travel time is just over 20 minutes, ticket price is 2-5 EUR. You can also take a taxi or a rented car (however, the car will have to be left in the parking lot at the entrance to the city). Some tourists go to Mdina by bike, but keep in mind that you will have to go uphill. Prices on the page are for March 2021.
Transport in Mdina
Only the transport of local residents is allowed to enter the territory of Mdina. However, this is not a problem, since the whole city can be explored on foot in an hour, and even faster on a bicycle.
For tourists, red trains Melita trains run around the city, which will take you around all the sights of the ancient Maltese capital in about half an hour. Trains depart daily every hour, from 10:00 to 16:00. The fare is EUR 4.50 (adults), EUR 3.50 (pensioners), EUR 3 (children under 16) and EUR 1.50 (children under 4).
Entertainment and attractions of Mdina
The main thing that Mdina is famous for is its fortresses, in which the city is shackled to this day. In particular, the fortress of Birgu Vittorioso. Previously, this place was called Borgo del Castello, but after the victory over the Turks, it received a new “victorious” name.
Exactly under Mdina, to this day, there are the catacombs of St. Paul – a unique underground burial complex of the ancient Roman era, dating back to the 4th century BC. It is a complex system of underground corridors with halls and chambers with tombs. The length of the catacombs is about 3 km, but not all of their sections are available for visits, so a walk (though impressive) will take no more than 15-20 minutes.
Noteworthy is the Cathedral of St. Paul of the late 17th century. in baroque style. Opposite the cathedral is the Cathedral Museum, which contains a rich collection of works of art, including little-known engravings by Rembrandt.
Along with the Main City Gate, there is another one in Mdina – the Greek Gate. They are named so because at one time a large Greek diaspora lived nearby. Only through these gates (by no means through the front gates!) Was it allowed to import slaves into the city.
There are many palaces of the 13th-18th centuries in the city: the City Palace, the Archbishop’s Palace, actually rebuilt after the earthquake, the Gatto Murina Palace, where various audio-visual presentations about the life of the city are presented today, as well as the Testaferrata Palace, from the balcony of which during the riot against Napoleon, the angry Maltese overthrew the French governor (so the legend goes).
With a strong spirit, it is worth visiting the Museum of Torture. Everything about the theory and practice of medieval torture is collected here. Some of the guns can even be seen in action. More lyrical and calm in relation to spectacles is the Museum of Natural History in the palace built by the Grand Master De Vilhena.
Rabat, Malta
Guide to Rabat, Malta: how to get there and where to stay, what to see and where to go in the evening. The best things to do in Rabat, Malta: fresh reviews and photos, places to see, branded entertainment and shopping.
Mdina ‘s northern neighbor, Rabat was part of the Roman city of Melita in the past. For many centuries, Rabat served as a haven for monastic orders. To this day, communities and monasteries of Franciscans, Dominicans and Augustinians flourish here.
In addition, Rabat is known for the holy catacombs – underground tombs of the 4th century of St. Paul and St. Agatha. To capture on film is rounded tables carved directly from the rocks, which are called Agatha tables. But at the same time, Rabat has a completely modern look. By the way, the town has a second name – Victoria. Not far from Rabat is the summer residence of Master de la Verdal – Veralda Castle.
