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The history of Mdina and its suburb Rabat
is as old and as chequered as the history of Malta itself. Mdina, Malta’s
medieval capital, can trace its origins back more than 4000 years. Rabat
can claim the origins of Maltese Christianity. It was here in A.D. 60 that
the Apostle St Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands.
Both Mdina and Rabat are fascinating to tour for their timeless atmosphere and
their cultural and religious treasures.
Mdina has had different
names and titles depending on its rulers and its role. It was Melita to the Romans;
Medina to the Arabs; and Citta’ Vecchia, the old city, when Valletta became
the lifeblood of the Islands. None describe it better than its medieval
name, Citta’ Notabile, the noble city.
It was home then, as
now, to Malta’s noble families; some are descendants of the Norman, Sicilian
and Spanish overlords who made Mdina their home from the 12th century onwards.
Their Impressive palaces line its narrow, shady streets. Mdina is one of Europe’s
finest examples of an ancient walled city, and unusual in its mix of medieval
and baroque architecture.
Today Mdina has a quiet, restrained atmosphere in keeping with its noble
past. Lamplit by night, Mdina transforms itself into the ‘Silent
City’. For a relaxed evening, seek out the restaurants tucked away
in its bastions and palace courtyards.
Places to visit in Mdina &
Rabat
Important
Churches
St. Paul’s Cathedral,
Mdina
The Xl Century Siculo-Norman
Cathedral was destroyed by an earthquake in 1693. The present Cathedral
was built by Lorenzo Gafa four years later and is believed to stand on the
site originally occupied by the house of Publius, the Roman Governor at
the time of St. Paul’s stay on the Island (AD60), who eventually became
the first Bishop of Malta.
St. Paul’s Church
and St. Paul’s Grotto, Rabat
The original church of St. Paul
was built in 1572 and redesigned and enlarged in the 17th century. The
alter painting is by Mattia Pretti. Adjacent to St. Paul’s church one can
see St. Paul’s Grotto. According to a strong tradition, the Apostle Paul
found shelter in this grotto after he was shipwrecked on these islands in
AD60. The grotto contains pieces of sacred art and frescoes of
considerable value.
Historical Buildings and Monuments
Norman House/Palazzo
Falzon, Mdina
This is
a rare opportunity to look inside one of Mdina’s great houses. It is one
of the best preserved medieval buildings in Mdina. It was built in 1495
and during your visit you can see the small private museum with naval and
harbour paintings. There are displays of antique furniture and 16th and
17th century kitchen utensils are displayed in the charming inner
courtyard.
St. Agatha’s
Catacombs, Rabat
These catacombs, according to
legend, served as the actual hiding place for St. Agatha who fled from the
persecution of the Roman Emperor Decius (AD249). Some very impressive and
widely known frescoes are to be seen, dating back as far as the 11th
century and even earlier.
St. Paul’s Catacombs, Rabat
This is an underground Christian
burial place dating back to the 4th and 5th centuries. The catacombs are
situated outside the previous Roman walls, as no burials where permitted
within the walls.
Museums
Museum of
Roman Antiquities, Rabat
In 1881 remains of a Roman
townhouse where discovered on this site. There are some excellent exhibits
and the museum houses the principle remains of Malta’s Roman period (218
BCE – 870 ACE) and enclose the Roman Villa, notable for its fine mosaics.
Cathedral Museum, Mdina
This
museum stands on an ancient site, thought to be the Villa of Publius the
Roman governor. It contains various art treasures, manuscripts, papal
bulls and vestments of ancient lace, paintings and a fine collection of
Durer Woodcuts.
National Museum of
Natural History, Mdina
This museum is located in the
magnificent Palazzo Vilhena, also known as the Magisterial Palace. It
houses seven sections comprising of local and foreign collections. These
include skeletal anatomy, birds, fish, insects, shells, fossils and items
of geological interest.
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About Malta
Introduction
Getting Around
Places to Visit
Valletta
The Three Cities
Mdina & Rabat
Gozo & Comino
Places of Interest
Historical Buildings & Gardens
Museums
Temple & Geological
Important Churches
Forts & Fortifications
Other Attractions
Shopping & Markets
Beaches & Bays
Nightlife & Theatre
Family Attractions
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