The old capital city of Malta, Mdina has a rich history and it greets visitors with an extravagant archway. Once you walk through it, you will notice that the noise level drops drastically because there is a ban on domestic vehicles in Mdina. This makes walking around the city a very peaceful and quiet experience. There are plenty of things for you to see and do in Mdina and this destination appeals to anyone seeking adventure, culture, history, or simply a quiet area for relaxation.
Learn about the best things to do in this fascinating city of Mdina with this list of the top attractions it has to offer:
1- Paul’s Cathedral
After it was destroyed by an earthquake, the St. Paul’s Cathedral was rebuilt in 1702 and it is regarded as one of the most fascinating examples of Baroque architecture in the entire country. The Cathedral has two large bell towers on each side of its entrance that help it rise above the rest of the city. There are impressive furnishings and beautiful architecture that you can find in St. Paul’s Cathedral. There are paintings on the walls and roof that show religious moments in history, which include ‘The Conversion of St. Paul’. The museum of the Cathedral is located next door in a separate building. You can visit it to check out the huge collection of silverware, religious artwork, and other church treasures.
2- The Mdina Experience
The Mdina Experience can be found in an old medieval building on Mesquita Square, which offers an audio-visual tour into the fascinating mysteries and detailed history that surround Mdina. The theatre offers comfortable seating and is fully air-conditioned. It also offers surround sound headphones and high-resolution projections that deliver a fantastic viewing experience. The presentation is 25 minutes long and offers really interesting information about the history of Mdina with the Romans, St Paul, the earthquake, and the Knights of Malta. All of this is delivered in an easily digestible and entertaining manner.
3- Mdina Dungeons
An interactive experience, the Mdina Dungeons is equal parts educational history and spooky entertainment. They take you on one tour under the streets and focuses on the darker aspects of Mdina’s history. Every area reveals a particular individual or incident that has left a lasting impression on Mdina and Malta as a whole. You can learn about the punishments given for being a witch, the hideous torture tactics, hangings, and the violent French rule of Malta, all through detailed displays and information.
4- Mdina Glass
This is essentially a glassware shop, which is considered unique because all the products it offers are made in the same building. Beautifully hand-blown glassware is sold in the actual shop, which includes decorations, mirrors, glasses, and clocks. However, what makes this place worth visiting is the opportunity to firsthand watch the glassblowers make different objects using molten glass.
5- Catacombs
The St. Agatha’s Catacombs are located in Mdina, which is basically a chapel that’s believed to be the place where St. Agatha prayed. He is regarded as a patron saint of Malta. You can take a guided tour of the chapel, as it gives you the chance to learn about the grave markings and the different paintings. The tour is half an hour long and is run every hour. You can also check out the St. Paul’s Catacombs that are open from 9 to 5 and are a series of narrow and dark paths through ancient tombs.
6- City Streets and Views
Once you enter Mdina, you will not have to search for places to visit or things to see because the entire city is worth exploring and you would want to take out time to do that. The buildings and streets in Mdina are very different than the ones found in other countries and the city’s tranquil silence due to lack of vehicles creates a relaxing atmosphere, allowing you to explore it at a leisurely pace. When you walk deeper into the city, you will come to Bastion Square eventually, which is marked on the map as Pjazza Tas-Sur. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and also has some of the most affordable places for you to eat and relax.
7- The Knights of Malta
The style of this exhibit is very similar to that of Mdina Dungeons, as it uses wax figures and audio for providing a detailed history regarding the Knights of St. John. You will find plenty of written information for reading, but all of it combined can give you an interesting and thorough look into the whole rule of the Knights from when they were first established till their exile. You can set your own pace for going through the exhibit.
8- Restaurants
There is a wide range of restaurants to be found in Mdina that showcase the traditional culture and fun side of Malta. The menus typically comprise dishes with inspiration from Malta and Italy. The Fontanella Tea Garden is one of the gems that you will find in Mdina located in Bastion Square. It offers visitors some incredible views of the Maltese countryside and is very open. The cake is the specialty here and the options will definitely satisfy those with a sweet tooth. If you don’t have a big budget, you can take your own food along and have a picnic anywhere in Mdina.
9- Special Events
There are a number of events that are held throughout the year in Mdina and you can check to see what events are upcoming and travel accordingly. There are fireworks for major dates in the calendar, medieval performances for everyone to enjoy, and also the Grand Prix.
You can expect to do a lot of walking when you visit the city of Mdina in Malta, as only residential vehicles and certain others are permitted. It may take you a little while to see the city, but everything is worth exploring and you can spend hours taking in your fill.
