There are various theories about how Malta got its name. Some believe it came from the Phoenicians, who built a wall around what was the capital and called it “Malet,” meaning Safe Place. Others think it was the Romans who named the island “Melita,” which translates to honey, a reference to the amber-colored treat that was popular then and now.
When the Arabs took over in 870 AD, they renamed the capital “Medina.” Later, when the Normans conquered the island, Roger the Norman, the Count of Sicily, ordered the construction of a cathedral in the capital, transforming it into the medieval hub for civil, military, and religious authorities. In 1429, when Medina resisted the Saracens’ conquest attempt, Alfonso V of Aragon nicknamed the city “Cittá Notabile” or Noble City.
This name stuck until the arrival of the Knights of Malta, who established a new capital, Valletta. The old capital was then called “Cittá Vecchia,” meaning Old City, differentiating it from the new one. Over time, locals started using “Mdina,” a corrupted form of the Arabic name, and it stayed that way.
Today, Mdina is affectionately known as “The Silent City.” Even during peak tourist seasons, its yellow sandstone streets remain tranquil. The winding streets may have been designed for better ventilation, easier defense, or noise reduction—or perhaps all three. This design came in handy when a noisy school group suddenly became barely audible.
Mdina’s history is rich with different names and architectures. You can see old fortifications, medieval palazzos, and the Baroque St. Paul’s Cathedral, named after St. Paul, who is said to have shipwrecked in Malta. Many old buildings were destroyed in the January 1693 earthquake that shook the central Mediterranean. As a result, much of Mdina’s architecture today is Baroque, like the cathedral from 1699, the main gate from 1724 (featured in Game of Thrones), Palazzo Vilhena (home to the National Museum of Natural History) from 1733, and other beautiful structures.
Visiting the cathedral costs 5€, which also includes entry to the cathedral museum. The coin collection there offers a fascinating glimpse into Malta’s extensive history. Another interesting place is the Museum of Tools, Trades, and Traditions in the basement of the nearby Palazzo de Piro. This small museum showcases practical tools like hammers, keys, irons, and planers. Even without detailed descriptions, it’s still educational.
Our day wrapped up perfectly with a visit to the café at the top of Palazzo Falson. Although the weather wasn’t great for sitting outside, the view of the atrium and the surrounding landscape was stunning. And, of course, the cheesecake didn’t hurt either!
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