Mdina & Rabat

Mdina — the "Silent City" (Il-Belt is-Sieket) — is one of Malta's most magical places. The old capital sits atop a hill in the center of the island, surrounded by mighty bastions of honey-colored limestone, and has changed little since the Middle Ages. Only around 300 people live here — and it feels like stepping into a time machine.

Mdina was Malta's capital for over 1,000 years before the Knights built Valletta. The Arabs gave it its current name (from "Medina" — fortified city) and separated it from the suburb of Rabat with a deep ditch. Today, Mdina and Rabat are reconnected, but their characters couldn't be more different: Mdina is quiet and aristocratic, Rabat lively and down-to-earth.

Highlights Mdina

• Mdina Gate: The dramatic main entrance (1724) by Charles François de Mondion. The moment you step through the gate and the silent city opens up is cinematic — no wonder Mdina served as a filming location for Game of Thrones (King's Landing).
• St. Paul's Cathedral: The baroque cathedral (1702) on the square where, according to tradition, the Apostle Paul converted the Roman governor Publius. Inside: frescoes by Mattia Preti, marble floor with knights' graves.
• Palazzo Falson: A perfectly preserved medieval palazzo with an art collection, weapons, and furniture. The best insight into the life of the Maltese nobility. Admission: €10.
• Bastions & Panorama: From the Bastion Square, there is a 360° panorama over the entire island — on clear days, you can see as far as the dome of Mosta and the sea. Especially spectacular at sunset.

Highlights Rabat

• St. Paul's Catacombs: A labyrinth of underground passages and burial chambers from the 4th–7th century — the largest catacombs in Malta. Fascinating and slightly eerie. Admission: €6.
• Domus Romana: Remains of a Roman city villa with exquisite mosaics. Small but fine. Admission: €6.
• Crystal Palace Pastizzeria: The most famous pastizzeria in Malta. For decades, locals have come here for the best pastizzi on the island — crispy, hot, for 50 cents. Always a queue, always worth the detour.