Malta has always been one of our favorite Mediterranean ports, offering everything a traveler could ask for—fair weather, dramatic ancient architecture, fantastic food, and a fascinating history. Just sailing in and out of Valletta is an experience in itself, with fortifications and historic buildings towering along the coastline, setting the stage for the wonders within.
Our recent visit took us to Mdina, known as the “Silent City” and one of Malta’s most historic sites in the center of the island. Mdina is a timeless gem, offering travelers a rare glimpse into the island’s layered history. With only about 90 permanent residents, the city feels like a place paused in time. The locals are mostly descendants of noble families who have lived in grand palaces here for centuries.
As we walked through its narrow streets, we stayed alert; the clip-clop of horses’ hooves often signals the approach of horse-drawn carriages that don’t seem to slow for unwary pedestrians.
Mdina’s origins trace back to the Phoenicians and later, the Romans, who recognized the strategic advantage of its inland location. But it was the arrival of the Knights Templar and, later, the Knights of Malta that truly shaped the city. The Knights Templar initially fortified the area, marking it as a critical Christian stronghold. Though they were disbanded in the early 14th century, their architectural and military influence left a lasting imprint on the city’s landscape.
When the Knights of Malta arrived in the 1500s, Mdina flourished under their patronage. They transformed the city, adding opulent palaces, fortified walls, and iconic churches to guard against Ottoman invasions. St. Paul’s Cathedral and the grand Palazzo Vilhena are enduring testaments to their legacy, embodying the spirit of Malta’s historic defense and serving as symbols of the Knights’ influence.
As the influence of the Knights Templar and later the Knights of Malta grew, so did the need for a more strategic base of operations. While Mdina remained an important inland stronghold, the Knights recognized the advantage of relocating closer to the coast to better defend Malta and control maritime access to the Mediterranean. This led to their decision to move operations to Valletta in the 16th century.
Even amidst the throngs of visitors and streams of horse-drawn carriages, we could picture the Knights Templar walking the same stone streets. Little did they know their fortress would one day become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Europe.
