Time travel, as we all know very well, is still the stuff of science fiction. Someday, maybe, but not yet. Sadly, that means we’ll never be able to flip a switch and show up in the middle of a medieval joust armed with a six-pack and a digital camera. However, in Malta we have one of the closest things to time travel you will find: the ancient city of Mdina.
From the second you walk through its imposing gates, you truly feel like you’ve turned back the clock several hundred years. The narrow streets, the fascinating architecture and the general atmosphere of this impressive place make it one of the most visited places in Malta.
As you enter, try to block out the sight of tourists clicking their way down the cobbled paths, and instead imagine knights in armor marching back and forth looking important and generally acting like they own of the place, which they practically did. . And to top it off, if you walk to the end of town, not that far, lest non-walkers get scared, you’ll be rewarded with the most magnificent view of the island imaginable.
For the more cultural, there are many attractions within the walls of Mdina, such as numerous museums and historical sites, as well as the imposing Cathedral of the city. Getting there is easy by car, bus or taxi and there are many officially organized tours that visit the old capital every day. Visiting Malta without visiting Mdina is not a criminal offence. But it certainly should be. Then go.
Getting to this must-see spot is easy with buses running regularly throughout the day from Sliema. You need to look for number 65. Just be careful not to miss the last bus back. Alternatively, if you have a car, take a quick look at your map before you go although, due to its tourist importance, Mdina is very well signposted on all major roads.
Madinah at night
Mdina during the day is a beautiful, beautiful place. But we’ve gone into that in more detail elsewhere. What we are seeing here is how the Silent City fairs at night. Although obviously all the museums and attractions are closed at night, this impressive fortified city is worth visiting after dark.
To make it a truly memorable occasion, why not pack some goodies in a bag (a bottle of wine, some cheese, maybe some crackers) and head across town? There you will find the bastions that dominate much of Malta.
Climb to the top, open the wine and enjoy one of the most memorable picnics you can have. Lie back and gaze at the stars while letting your mind wander, but be careful not to let your body wander, as falling to the other side could cause serious injury, if not worse.
In our experience, the best time to visit Mdina at night is when there is a full moon, as this helps bring the whole city to life. The image we have painted may sound ideal for romantic couples, but what if all that has already happened?
Well, take a leisurely stroll through the city streets and see if you can spot any of the many ghosts that are believed to inhabit the buildings. For example, you might come across a house near the bastions with pretty flowers outside.
Rumor has it that it is haunted by the ghost of a gentleman who committed suicide after being rejected by the woman who lived there. It is said that sometimes you can see his shadow on the balcony from where he rushed to his death…
Getting to this must-see spot is easy with buses running regularly throughout the day from Sliema. You need to look for number 65. Just be careful not to miss the last bus back. Alternatively, if you have a car, take a quick look at your map before you go, although, due to its tourist importance, Mdina is very well signposted on all major roads.
