The ancient city of Mdina never loses its fascination
Time travel, as we all know very well, is still the stuff of science fiction. Someday, maybe, but not right now. Sadly, that means we’ll never be able to flip a switch and show up in the middle of a medieval joust armed with a six-pack and a digital camera. However, in Malta we have one of the closest things to time travel that you will find: the ancient city of Mdina.
From the second you walk through its imposing gates, you’ll truly feel like you’ve turned back the clock several hundred years. The narrow streets, the fascinating architecture and the general atmosphere of this impressive place make it one of the most visited sites in Malta.
As you enter, try to block out the sight of tourists by clicking your way down the cobbled paths and instead imagine armored knights marching around looking important and generally acting like they own it of the place, which was practically so. . And to top it off, if you walk to the end of town, not that far, lest non-walkers get scared, you’ll be rewarded with the most magnificent view you can imagine of the island.
For the more cultural, there are many attractions within the walls of Mdina, such as numerous museums and historical sites, as well as the city’s imposing Cathedral. Getting there is easy either by car, bus or taxi and there are many officially organized tours that visit the old capital every day. Visiting Malta without visiting Mdina is not a criminal offence. But it certainly should be. Then go.
Getting to this must-see is easy with buses running regularly throughout the day from Sliema. You need to look for number 65. Just be careful not to miss the last bus back. Alternatively, if you have a car, take a quick look at your map before you set off, although, due to its tourist importance, Mdina is very well signposted from all major roads.
medina at night
Mdina during the day is a beautiful, beautiful place. But we’ve gone into that in more detail elsewhere. What we are seeing here is how the Silent City fairs at night. Although, obviously, all the museums and attractions are closed at night, it is worth visiting this impressive fortified city after dark.
To make it a truly memorable occasion, why not pack some goodies in a bag (a bottle of wine, some cheese, maybe some crackers) and head to the other end of town? There you will find the bastions that dominate much of Malta.
Climb to the top, open the wine, and enjoy one of the most memorable picnics you could ever have. Lie back and gaze at the stars while letting your mind wander, but be careful not to let your body wander, as falling to the other side could cause serious injury, if not worse.
In our experience, the best time to visit Mdina at night is when there is a full moon, as this helps the whole city come alive. The picture we’ve painted may sound ideal for romantic couples, but what if all that is over?
Well, take a leisurely stroll through the city streets and see if you can spot any of the many ghosts believed to inhabit the buildings. For example, you might come across a house near the bastions with pretty flowers outside.
It is rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a gentleman who committed suicide after being rejected by the woman who lived there. It is said that sometimes you can see his shadow on the balcony from where he rushed to his death…
Getting to this must-see is easy with buses running regularly throughout the day from Sliema. You need to look for number 65. Just be careful not to miss the last bus back. Alternatively, if you have a car, take a quick look at your map before you set off, although, due to its tourist importance, Mdina is very well signposted from all major roads.