Ever crave an adventure that feels ripped from the pages of a storybook? That’s exactly what I found in Mdina, Malta’s “Silent City.”
This is a place with more mystery per square meter than a Sherlock Holmes novel and more charm than a Mediterranean grandma’s kitchen.
My Malta Adventure was the first time I’d ever strolled through Mdina’s imposing stone gates. I felt like an explorer on the verge of uncovering centuries-old secrets.
The air itself buzzed with possibility, carrying the faint scent of jasmine and sun-warmed limestone. Sunlight dances across the honey-hued walls, casting shadows that make every corner look like the entrance to a secret passage.
Every one of my adventures features its own little quest. Mdina was no different. Will I get lost (again) in the labyrinth of narrow lanes? Will I stumble upon a hidden garden or onto a movie set?
Don’t laugh, it happened during my Scottish Adventure in Stirling. Made me a fan of Outlander.
Curiosity in Mdina isn’t just welcomed, it’s rewarded, often with an impromptu chat with a shopkeeper, a sudden view that makes you audibly gasp, or a pastry so good it probably deserves its own UNESCO status.
Mdina isn’t just a place you visit; it’s a city that invites you to wander, wonder, and let your imagination run wild.
If you’re even a little bit curious, adventurous, or just yearning for a journey that’s anything but ordinary, trust me: this is where the magic is hiding.
And if you find yourself talking to a statute — no, you are not losing your mind. Sometimes, even the most experienced travelers need expert advice.
Why Mdina Captivates Me
Perched high above Malta’s rolling countryside, Mdina is a living time capsule. With roots stretching back over 4,000 years, this ancient citadel has seen Phoenicians, Romans, Normans, and Knights of St. John pass through its gates.
Mdina was Malta’s capital until 1530, when the Knights of St. John shifted the seat of power to Birgu. Valletta became the capital in 1571.
Today, it’s a walled city of honey-colored limestone, hushed streets, and secret courtyards. Yes, this is a place where silence is golden.
There are no cars allowed in Mdina, apart from a select few for residents and emergency vehicles, a rule that keeps the streets blissfully quiet and the air refreshingly clean.
The medieval city was never designed for anything bigger than a horse-drawn carriage, so trust me, parallel parking a modern car would be a nightmare of epic, but hilarious proportions.
Instead, you get to meander in peace, listening to your own footsteps echo off centuries-old walls, with only the occasional cat or clattering carriage to break the silence.
Best Time to Visit (and Why Off-Season is a Win)
Mdina is enchanting year-round, but if you ask me, the city reveals its quirky, golden soul in the off-season.
Close your eyes and picture it:
It’s late autumn, winter, or early spring, and most tourists are back home, trying to remember if they left the oven on. The tour groups and selfie sticks have vanished like Houdini, leaving the streets deliciously empty and the tranquil piazzas practically begging you to linger. You’ve just sipped coffee undisturbed, wandered alleys without dodging a single tour flag, and soaked up sunsets on the bastion walls with only the company of a few locals and a very judgmental pigeon.
Aww, pure nirvana.
Honestly, this is a Winter’s Paradise, minus the snow, the cold, and the existential dread that comes with scraping ice off your windshield.
And by the way, what the heck is ‘freezing rain’?
A light jacket was all I needed. Well, that and carrying an umbrella just in case a cloud decided to cry. Malta’s weather likes to keep you on your toes, but rarely in snow boots.
And here’s the best part: everything is more affordable and authentic. Hotels, restaurants, and even the souvenir shops seem to drop their prices and their guard.
I even found myself chatting with a few local residents about the best pastizzi in town, and really had no clue what I was talking about, and nobody cared.
For a truly Maltese experience, make sure to try ftira, a delicious sandwich made with Maltese bread, and look for hobza biz-zejt, a traditional dish of bread topped with a mix of tomatoes, tuna, and olive oil.
You can savor these at local eateries like Fontanella Tea Garden. And let’s not forget about Imqaret, a sweet pastry filled with dates, best enjoyed at a bustling market stall or café. These must-try treats will add flavor to your Maltese adventure.
Wow, I’m eternally grateful I chose to escape winter’s freeze and head to Malta. My only regret is not coming sooner.
Getting There: Easy Escapes from Sliema and Valletta
Reaching Mdina couldn’t be simpler—no secret handshake or cryptic Maltese riddle required! From Sliema or Valletta, just hop on a direct bus (routes 51, 52, or 53 from Valletta; X3 from Sliema).
The ride is about 30 to 40 minutes, which is just enough time to plot your first pastry stop or practice your best medieval knight impression for dramatic effect at the city gates.
If you’re feeling adventurous, rent a car or try a Bolt ride, but trust me, Malta’s public transport is efficient and budget-friendly.
For buses, consider purchasing a weekly Tallinja Card for unlimited travel, which can be more economical if you’re planning to explore widely. The buses are frequent, but it’s a good idea to have their app handy for real-time updates and schedules.
Remember, tickets can be bought from the driver, but exact change will speed up the process. Oh, and if standing by the bus stop leaves you guessing, a friendly wave will help signal the driver.
For travelers with mobility needs, both the bus system and Mdina itself offer certain accessibility features. Most buses in Malta are equipped with low floors and ramps to accommodate wheelchairs.
While Mdina’s narrow, cobblestoned streets can be challenging, the city’s main attractions are generally accessible, and friendly locals are often willing to lend a helping hand.
What to See: Musts and Hidden Gems
Wander through the Main Gate, and you’ll feel Mdina’s history brushing against your skin.
St. Paul’s Cathedral
An architectural marvel with a breathtaking Baroque interior, the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral is the crown jewel of Mdina.
Built on the site where, according to tradition, the Roman governor Publius met St. Paul after the Apostle’s shipwreck on Malta, the cathedral boasts an ornate façade, intricate marble floors, and vivid ceiling frescoes that will leave you craning your neck in wonder.
If you’re expecting to spot a dome on the London skyline, you’re in the wrong country!
Mdina’s St. Paul’s is not to be confused with the famous one in London, though it’s just as awe-inspiring in its own right — and, let’s be honest, with way fewer tourists.
Don’t miss the cathedral museum, where you’ll find a treasure trove of religious art and historic artifacts.
Visiting hours:
- Monday to Saturday from 09:30 a.m. to 16:30 (Last Entrance at 16:15)
- Sunday & Public Holidays: Closed
Admission (Combined for the Museum and Cathedral). You can purchase tickets online from the official site: https://metropolitanchapter.com/
- Adult: € 15
- Senior: €10
- Student: €10
Don’t fret if you can’t make it to Mdina in person. There’s a Virtual Tour that lets you explore the cathedral in your pajamas, coffee in hand. It’s almost like teleporting (just with better WiFi)!
Bastion Square
For panoramic views across the island, Bastion Square simply can’t be missed. I’ve stood here more than once, leaning over the ancient walls, watching the world stretch away in every direction. On a clear day, you can see almost the whole of Malta, from the domes of Mosta to the twinkling Mediterranean in the distance.
If you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself dreaming about this spot long after you’ve left, plotting ways to come back, or at least wondering if you could set up a tent and move in. Alas, camping is not allowed, but an adventurer can dream!
Palazzo Falson
A house-museum packed with antiques, secret passages, and quirky collections, Palazzo Falson is one of Mdina’s most unique treasures.
If you’ve ever wanted to pretend you’re in a real-life game of Clue, this is your spot.
This medieval townhouse, built in the 13th century and expanded over time, feels like stepping into the private world of a Maltese noble. Each room bursts with curiosities.
Think ancient armor, rare books, silverware that looks too fancy to actually eat with, and enough art to keep your eyes busy for hours.
The museum is open:
- Tuesday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed: Mondays, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
Admission:
- Adult Ticket €12.50
- Student Ticket (with valid student card) €6
- Senior Ticket €6
- ISIC and ICOM €6
- 10 % discount for EYCA cardholders
- Children aged 6 to 12 visit the museum for free when accompanied by an adult. Children under 6 years are not permitted in the museum.
Your ticket also includes use of an audio guide in multitude of languages including Maltese, English, Italian, French, German and Spanish, and a 10% discount at Gustav Café
What makes Palazzo Falson truly unique is its lived-in feel: it’s not just a collection of artifacts behind velvet ropes, but a vibrant glimpse into how Malta’s elite once lived, dined, and maybe even conspired.
Don’t miss the rooftop terrace for a peaceful moment above the city, and keep your eyes peeled for secret passages, because every good adventure needs at least one hidden door!
The Mdina Dungeons
If you’re craving a little shiver with your sightseeing, the Mdina Dungeons are your ticket to the city’s most spine-tingling stories.
Tucked beneath the city’s entrance, these eerie chambers reveal Malta’s darker side. Think torture devices, creepy mannequins, and tales of knights, prisoners, and punishments that make you grateful for modern justice systems, and padded chairs.
The dungeons are open:
October to May: Monday to Sunday from 09:30 to 16:30
June to September: Monday to Sunday from 09:30 to 21:30
Admission:
- Adults: €6
- Students: €3
- Family: €15 (2 adults and 2 children under 16)
- Group: €4 (10+ people)
This activity is perfect for a midday adventure or a fun escape from the afternoon sun, or rain, if your umbrella is as unlucky as mine.
The exhibits are immersive and, yes, sometimes a little over-the-top, but what’s a good dungeon without a bit of dramatic flair?
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself nervously glancing over your shoulder or giggling at your own overactive imagination. It’s all part of the experience!
And for the record, the mannequins don’t move, at least, not while anyone’s looking.
This is one of those spots that’s both educational and entertaining, ideal for history buffs, families, or anyone needing an excuse to say, “Well, that was delightfully creepy!”
Hidden Gems I Love
Beloved by locals and visitors alike since the 1970s, this iconic café is famous for its decadent chocolate cake and stunning terrace views overlooking Malta. Grab a slice and soak up the scenery. It’s a must for any Mdina visit
Just outside the walls, these spacious gardens are among the largest public green spaces in Malta. Lined with mature trees and flowers, they’re perfect for a peaceful stroll, a picnic, or simply enjoying views of Mdina’s impressive fortifications.
Dining: Where I Refuel
Mdina may be small, but its food scene is mighty. Try:
- Coogi’s: Mediterranean and Italian fare in a charming setting.
- Bacchus Restaurant: Dine inside ancient bastions—romantic and atmospheric.
A Place That Stays With You
My exploration of Mdina left me with new stories and timeless memories.
Whether you’re a history buff, a photographer, a foodie, or just someone looking for a little peace, Mdina promises an experience that lingers long after you’ve left its gates.
Take it from me: slow down, wander, and let Mdina’s silent spell weave its magic.
The Silent City is waiting for you — whenever you choose to listen.
Until next time …
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