IMG_1810

Mdina’s Main City GateMdina has had different names and titles depending on its rulers and its role but its medieval name describe it best – ‘Citta’ Notabile’: the noble city.

IMG_1811

It was home then, as now, to Malta’s noble families; some are descendants of the Norman, Sicilian and Spanish overlords who made Mdina their home from the 12th century onwards. Impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets.

IMG_1816

Mdina is one of Europe’s finest examples of an ancient walled city and extraordinary in its mix of medieval and baroque architecture.

IMG_1820

IMG_1823

IMG_1822

As the capital, Mdina was the seat of power of the ecclesiastical, military and civil authorities of medieval Malta. It was – and still is – the home of the oldest families in Malta.

IMG_1819

IMG_1824

IMG_1826

IMG_1836

For many years it was known as the Silent City because its narrow streets were unsuitable for traffic and its use was purely residential. The streets were built deliberately narrow and angled for cooling reasons. The tall stone buildings cast cooling shadows on each other in the hot summer.

IMG_1839

IMG_1841

IMG_1842

IMG_1843

Mdina is one of the world’s finest examples of a medieval walled city that is still inhabited. And this is the view of Malta from the walls of Mdina. Apparently we can see 75% of the island from that spot:

IMG_1828

Sources: http://www.visitmalta.com/    and       Malta, Insight Guide. Ed. Rebecca Lovell

Previous

St Paul in Malta: Valletta and Rabat

Next

Marsaxlokk, a small fishing village in Malta

2 comments

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *