I love this medieval walled town, especially at night time.
Mdina was inhabited and possibly first fortified by the Phoenicians around 700 BC. The Phoenicians called it Maleth. The region benefits from its strategic location on one of the island's highest points and at maximum distance from the sea. Under the Roman Empire Malta became a Municipium and the Roman Governor built his palace in Mdina. Tradition holds that the Apostle St. Paul resided in the city after his historical shipwreck on the islands. Much of its present architecture reflects the Fatimid Period which began in 999 AD until the Norman conquest of Malta in 1091 AD. The Normans surrounded the city with thick defensive fortifications and widened the moat. The city was also separated it from its nearest town, Rabat.
Today most of Mdina's palaces serve as private homes. The impressive Cathedral of the Conversion of St Paul is fronted by a large square. Only a limited number of resident and emergency vehicles, wedding cars and hearses are allowed within Mdina.
9 comments:
those Normans sure got around and farway from Normandy
Mdina at night is amazing! Though I must admit a little creepy when walking the streets and narrow walk ways.
I really like the new layout of your blog btw too :o)
Great night photos! I love your blog header photo! Kind regards from EAGAN daily photo in Minnesota
Nice photos of Mdina by night, such a beautiful place, we had hoped to go last night but did not manage, It's been too long! Shall try and go this week.
Really a beautiful sight!
Nice to go backward through your blog and catch up again.
Shalom from the other Dina.
Reading your blog is making me curse that I didn't get to spend longer in Malta -- not quite 2 weeks in February -- but is certainly inspiring me to a return visit. Mdina (and Rabbat) was absolutely lovely -- apart from being way too clean ;-), it gave a wonderful feel for life in the Medieval period. The inhabitants we met were so friendly and informative. It also has an immensely charming natural history museum that is well worth visiting.
Oops forgot to say -- some of my photos from that museum and other Maltese beauties at http://www.flickr.com/photos/incognita_mod/
wow this is really amazing. wonderful pictures
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