Things to do and see in Mdina Malta

Known as the city of silence, Mdina is located in the western central part of Malta and is considered one of the most beautiful towns in the country. Mdina is a charming walled town that retains its medieval character stunning architecture. As the former capital of Malta, this small town has a special charm in each of its narrow streets, and in its colourful Maltese-style facades.

Discover the original atmosphere and colour of Mdina, as well as all the things to do in this beautiful Maltese town.

Organise your travel itinerary with Passporter, completely free to use, easy and practical. Get inspired by the experiences of other travellers and choose the places that interest you most by adding them to your route map.

Things to see in Mdina, Malta

• 

• 

The three gates of the city

As a medieval town, Mdina still has three gates which are the only entrances to the old town, through the massive city walls. These entrances are reached by bridges across the ancient moat. The main gate, known as the Vilhena Gate, in honour of the nobleman Antonio de Vilhena, Grand Master of the Order of Malta in the 17th century, is Baroque in style and was built over an old medieval one.

The Greeks Gate has a neoclassical style, similar to that of Hellenistic temples. Finally, the Gharreqin Gate has a tunnel-like access leading to the Greeks Gate, which is crowned with a bust of St Paul.

• 

• 

Mdina Cathedral, Malta

One of the best things to do in Mdina is seeing the Cathedral. Built in the 11th century, you can access the cathedral from the town’s main square. Mdina Cathedral offers fabulous architectural features which, combined with the impressive paintings and numerous sculptures, tell the story of the life of St. Paul. It is just as important to the city as it is beautiful, which is why it has become one of the most popular sights in the city.

Palazzo Falson

This medieval palace was built in 1495 and is located on Rue Villegaignon. We highly recommend this stop if you want to discover Mdina’s history of nobility. In addition, this palace is an unavoidable symbol of the medieval period in Malta and has an impressive collection of paintings, ceramics, lithographs and other antiques that are well worth seeing.

Palazzo Vilhena

In St. Publius Square there is another palace of the Maltese aristocracy that you should not miss on your trip to Mdina. The main door of this palace is very well known, due to the detailed sculptures that decorate it. Nowadays, this palace has been transformed into the Malta Museum of Natural History, with a large collection of fossils and information on the island’s wildlife. Whether it’s the facade or the museum inside, this palace is one of the unmissable things to do in Mdina Malta.

• 

• 

Carmelite Priory

In Mdina, most of the points of interest are of a religious nature, as Christian culture has significantly marked the history of this town. For this reason, another of the buildings you must visit is the Carmelite Convent.

Before Margaret of Aragon died, she offered the chapel and the surrounding fields to any religious order that would accept the clauses of her will. In 1418 and the Discalced Carmelites accepted the deal and settled in Malta.

Pjazza Mesquita

This is a pretty and picturesque square, with a very peaceful atmosphere. It also has a couple of restaurants with terraces where you can enjoy the square’s charm and its stone facades full of flowers. In addition to the unquestionable beauty of this corner of Mdina, this area was also a filming location for Game of Thrones.

• 

• 

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to see in and around Mdina Malta

Domus Romana

Located on the outskirts of Mdina, on the border with the neighbouring city of Rabat, is the Domus Romana. It is a museum that reflects the lifestyle and habits of the Roman aristocracy that ruled Malta over a thousand years ago.

Built around the ruins of an ancient Latin mansion, discovered in 1881, the exhibition takes you through the various aspects of a Roman family and household. You can learn about the division of roles, education, entertainment, food, drink and even the fashion of this culture. This is a different and interesting activity to do in this beautiful and historic medieval city.

Howard Gardens

There is nothing like an open space surrounded by nature to get away from the city. You can find this at the Howard Gardens, located just under 300 metres from the Villa Romana. This green haven of peace is located between Rabat and Mdina.

As you enter the gardens, you will find a large orange orchard, and several paths to explore at your leisure. The site also has sports facilities such as football pitches and tennis courts, making it the ideal meeting place.

Rabat

Located very close to the city of Mdina, Rabat is a quiet city worth visiting during your trip to Mdina. In Rabat you will find impressive archaeological remains of great historical and cultural value, as well as interesting museums.

Rabat is most known for the catacombs of St Paul, used during Roman times as a burial place. This place will complete your trip to Mdina Malta in a very interesting way.

Find out what else this city has to offer at: Things to do and see in Rabat Malta

• 

• 

What to do in Mdina Malta in one day?

Mdina is a perfect city to leisurely walk around, enjoying every square, street and the colour of its facades. That is why with one day you will have more than enough time to explore the whole city and fall in love with it. Here is a possible itinerary for things to do in Mdina Malta in one day.

• The three gates of the city
• Mdina Cathedral, Malta
• Palazzo Falson Mdina
• Palazzo Vilhena
• Carmelite Priory
• Pjazza Mezquita

What to do in Mdina Malta in two days?

With two days in Mdina you will be able to visit all its points of interest, and enjoy its shops and restaurants in a more relaxed way. If you stay in Mdina for two days we recommend visiting the town of Rabat and discovering some of the more out-of-the-way places in the city, such as:

• Domus Romana
• Howard Gardens

Tips for your trip to Mdina Malta

• Known as the city of silence, Mdina is a quiet town with not much nightlife.
• Please note that the busiest tourist months are July and August.
• It is illegal to go topless in Malta.
• It is common to tip in restaurants, usually between 5% and 10% of the bill.
• As a Mediterranean island, Malta’s climate is generally mild most of the year, so don’t forget to bring cool clothes and a swimming costume.
• Plan your route in advance and create your travel itinerary with the Passporter App.

Frequently asked questions about your trip to Mdina Malta