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Tucked away on the island of Malta is the fortified city of Mdina. With a population under 300 people, this charming city has been around for almost 4,000 years and is the center of Malta’s nobility. Nicknamed the “silent city” due to the lack of cars (only a handful of individuals are allowed them) and lamp-lit streets, the city is a well-preserved slice of paradise on the island of Malta.
Mdina is a mixture of government buildings, impressive palaces, and bold religious structures. The city is on the short list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is an important historical and cultural center of Malta. We reached Mdina right before sunset which created a gorgeous golden reflection on the old city buildings.
Legend states that when Paul the Apostle was shipwrecked on the island of Malta in 60 A.D., he lived in Mdina. The main cathedral of the city is named “St. Paul’s Cathedral” in honor of him. Although the original cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake, it was subsequently rebuilt.
Kind of obsessed with this Kate Spade dress. I bought it on sale in the USA right before I headed to Malta and can’t wait for warm weather to reach Edinburgh so I can wear it again!
These fortified side streets were absolutely gorgeous! Because I visited Malta in January (lowest of low season), the city of Mdina was completely empty! Every time I turned a corner, I probably snapped at least 10-20 pictures. Mdina was incredibly photogenic!
I pretty much want to live in all these houses. I think the red and blue shutters do it for me. Can someone please buy me one? I’ll invite you to come visit me!
The stunning gate to the fortified city of Mdina. Mdina is a hidden gem located in the middle of Malta. It is easily reached through bus services or taxis.
Question: What’s your favorite fortified city? Mdina might just be my new favorite!
Silvia says
March 2, 2016 at 1:01 pmWow, it really does look magical! I still haven’t made it to Malta, but I once wrote a freelance article on it (even though I haven’t been, ahh internets) and since then have been obsessed with Mdina. It just looks so pretty!
Casey says
March 2, 2016 at 1:58 pmSuch a gorgeous place… I never really had Malta on my radar until recently but it look amazing!
Emily says
March 2, 2016 at 2:29 pmBeautiful!! I love all of the beautiful structures with the spontaneous colorful shutters and doors! Such a contrast, but it works well. I can’t believe they limit the number of cars, but I think it definitely makes for a more picturesque city!
Isabel says
March 2, 2016 at 4:35 pmWow, just gorgeous! I think all fortified cities look amazing, this one takes the win for sure though!
Iris says
March 2, 2016 at 6:28 pmWow, this is amazing! What a beautiful pictures! Feel like I am there instantly! I have never visited Malta, but in April I will visit Rome and hopefully can take such nice shots too!:)
Michaela says
March 2, 2016 at 6:54 pmPeople keep telling me I need to go to Malta – these photos totally show me why ! Gorgeous shots!
Caroline L. says
March 2, 2016 at 10:03 pmOooh so pretty! I’m loving that berry + magenta doors and shutters, and that Kate Spade dress of course!! Malta has always intrigued me, seems so hidden away and idyllic :)
Amanda | Chasing My Sunshine says
March 2, 2016 at 11:10 pmHoly moly, ALL of those buildings are beautiful. I love how each and every color of window shutter just pops right off the side of the building. Wow! It also shows off that awesome dress quite nicely. Ha! Thanks for taking us to Mdina!
Tanja (the Red phone box travels) says
March 3, 2016 at 11:20 ambeautiful photos! and there’s a red phone box:)
Melanie Fontaine says
March 3, 2016 at 12:38 pmSuch a beautiful place! I’m kind of obsessed with the picture of that phone booth! ;)
Kaelene @ Unlocking Kiki says
March 3, 2016 at 5:24 pmThose colorful window shutters, I love them! I have a friend who’s family goes to Malta every summer, I think I need to join them next year!
Jamie says
March 4, 2016 at 2:17 ammagical is right – this place is gorgeous! aaaand your dress is super cute :)
Jennifer @ This Off Script Life says
March 4, 2016 at 9:18 amWow, these photos are giving me a major case of spring fever. I’m planning to visit Malta in 2017, and now I can’t wait!
http://www.thisoffscriptlife.com
Rachel says
March 5, 2016 at 9:00 pmI’m 99% sure they filmed parts of Game of Thrones in this city, it looks so familiar! What a neat place to explore. I love the pops of color!
Jo Hirsch says
March 6, 2016 at 3:37 amJust love the pictures and the cute dress on the cute girl! Love, Jo
Alyssa says
March 8, 2016 at 4:27 pmThe city is so beautiful, I pinned some of your photos! I would love to visit this too :)
xo