Mdieval Mdina

Ancient walls seem to glow during the day at the city of Mdina in Malta.

I know this is now "chronological" but wanted to post a few pictures from my visit to the Medieval city of Mdina during our trip to Malta.

Known as "The Silent City," modern Mdina is a walled city with no cars and a history that dates back almost 3000 years!  The entire city, which sits on top of a hill in central Malta and has commanding views of the island, is built out of the white limestone that gives it a unique color and texture.  I spent just an hour walking its narrow passage ways, and felt like I was in the movie Aladdin or Indiana Jones!  

The entrance to the city.

NO cars... except of course those listed above (including doctors on call, hearses, and blue sticker holders!)

According to some sources, there is evidence of settlement in Mdina dating back to 4000 BC!  That is over 6000 years old!  It was 'fortified' (using Pantene Pro-V I believe) by the Phoenicians in 700bc, and it is where the Roman rulers built their palace when they took over, making it the ancient capital.  Mdina is also believed to be where St. Paul stayed when he shipwrecked on Malta around 60 AD.  Fascinating stuff!

Red doors are big in Mdina... as are words beginning with two consonants.

Sicilian Arabs gave the city its current name in 870 AD, and also built the thick protective walls that currently guard it.  I believe they were also the ones who stole some of the vowels in its name... maybe we can buy one for $200 or just spin the wheel?

I loved the contrast on the doors as the light shifted above the city.  It did not, however, lead me to the holy grail.

~ J. Twice