Mdina is located in the western centre of the island of Malta on a hill whose northern, eastern and north-western slopes fall steeply into the landscape and is surrounded by a city wall. The medieval townscape is characterised by narrow alleyways and palaces and churches made of the sand-coloured limestone typical of Malta. Immediately to the south-west is the larger sister city of Rabat.
The main entrance to the city is the Main Gate, which was built by the Grand Master of the Order of Malta Antonio Manoel de Vilhena (1663 - 1736).
You can also hire a carriage for a tour here.
The Main Gate from the inside.
This is what it looks like behind the main gate.
The Corte Capitanlae ...
... housed the Law Lords of the University. Council of Mdina.
The building was designed by Charle François de Mondion and built at the beginning of the 18th
century next to the Magisterial Palace. Its monumental façade, with an imposing portal framed
by columns supporting a central balcony and flanked by the figures of Mercy and
Justice, overlooks a small public square that for centuries was used as a meeting place
for the city's militia. The Corte Capitanale now houses the Mdina Town Council.
This is the 230 metre long main street, the Triq Villegaignon of Mdina. It is lined with palaces to the left and right.
The cathedral of Mdina stands on the main square. It is dedicated to St Paul the Apostle. The floor of the cathedral is covered with artistic, colourful marble inlaid tombstones of high spiritual dignitaries and noble citizens of Mdina. The Cathedral Museum is housed in the former seminary opposite the cathedral. It exhibits paintings by Italian, Flemish and Maltese masters from the 14th to 19th centuries as well as woodcuts and engravings by Albrecht Dürer.
Pictures of the interior of the cathedral and the museum
At the end of Triq Villegaignon you come to the city wall. Here you can enjoy a fantastic view.
