Self-Guided Walking Tour of Mdina (2025)

Nestled between the twin towns of Rabat and Mdina, Howard Gardens form a lush green border between the two historic centers. The gardens were named after Joseph Howard OBE, Malta’s first Prime Minister (1862–1925), and officially opened in 1942. They offer visitors a natural escape and a welcoming approach to the fortified city — a prelude to the timeless elegance that awaits inside Mdina’s gates.

Howard Gardens are laid out with shady walkways, flowering plants, and citrus trees that fill the air with a sweet fragrance. Among the greenery, benches invite passersby to pause and enjoy the view of Mdina’s majestic bastions rising in the distance. The gardens also include recreational facilities, such as a football ground and tennis courts, giving locals a place for leisure and activity amidst the historical surroundings.

For visitors, the gardens are a perfect spot to relax after a day exploring Mdina or nearby Rabat. The combination of manicured landscaping and panoramic views of the walled city makes this one of the most picturesque entrances in Malta. Whether you’re arriving by bus or on foot, Howard Gardens offer the ideal first impression — a gentle transition from the bustle of modern life to the quiet grandeur of the Silent City.

The fortifications of Mdina stand as enduring monuments to the city’s military and strategic past. First established by the Phoenicians around the 8th century BC and later expanded by the Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs, these walls have protected Mdina for over two millennia. Rising above the surrounding countryside, they are among the best-preserved bastions in Malta, commanding panoramic views that reveal why this site was chosen for defense.

In the 16th and 17th centuries, the Order of St. John undertook significant fortification works, transforming the medieval walls into the robust bastioned system seen today. The Knights Hospitaller reinforced the ramparts with angular bastions, deep moats, and fortified gates, giving Mdina the imposing character that still defines it. These defenses proved effective during sieges and invasions, demonstrating the city’s resilience and strategic brilliance.

Today, walking along the bastion pathways provides one of the most memorable experiences in Mdina. From here, visitors can gaze across the island to the Mediterranean Sea while imagining the soldiers who once stood guard centuries ago. The walls, now peaceful, have shifted from military use to cultural significance — offering visitors a bridge between Malta’s turbulent past and its serene present.

The Main Gate of Mdina, often simply called the Mdina Gate, is the city’s most iconic landmark and one of Malta’s finest examples of Baroque architecture. Designed by Charles François de Mondion and built in 1724 under the patronage of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, the gate replaced an older medieval entrance slightly to the side. Its construction coincided with the expansion of Palazzo Vilhena, giving Mdina a new and majestic entryway worthy of its noble status.

The gate’s exterior is richly adorned with the coat of arms of Grand Master Vilhena and the Order of St. John, flanked by decorative lions that symbolize power and guardianship. Passing through its archway feels like stepping back in time, as visitors leave the modern world behind for Mdina’s serene, traffic-free streets. On the inner side, statues of St. Paul, St. Publius, and St. Agatha — three of Malta’s patron saints — welcome travelers with an air of reverence and protection.

Today, the Mdina Gate is not only a functioning entrance but also a symbol of the city’s identity. Its cinematic beauty has made it a favorite filming location, appearing in productions such as Game of Thrones. For visitors, it marks the start of every walking tour — the threshold between Malta’s living history and the timeless silence that defines this ancient city.

Hidden beneath Vilhena Palace, near the main gate, the Mdina Dungeons Museum offers an atmospheric and thought-provoking journey into Malta’s darker past. The museum is set within a series of underground chambers and passageways that once formed part of Mdina’s prison complex. As you descend into the dimly lit tunnels, the cool air and echoing footsteps transport you back to the medieval era, when justice and punishment were harsh realities of life.

Inside, life-sized wax figures and carefully staged scenes depict the prisoners, inquisitors, and guards who once occupied these spaces. The museum explores themes of crime, torture, and medieval justice, offering insight into the systems of power and discipline that shaped life in historical Malta. Sound effects and lighting enhance the immersive experience, making it both educational and eerie.

Though the exhibits are dark, the Mdina Dungeons provide valuable historical context about the island’s legal evolution and the challenges of medieval governance. It’s a sobering yet fascinating counterpoint to the city’s spiritual landmarks — a reminder that Mdina’s history encompasses both piety and peril. For visitors seeking to understand the full depth of the Silent City’s past, this stop offers an unforgettable perspective.

Housed in the grand Vilhena Palace, an elegant 18th-century Baroque building designed by Charles François de Mondion, the National Museum of Natural History is one of Malta’s most fascinating cultural and scientific attractions. Officially opened in 1973, the museum preserves a vast collection that chronicles the island’s biodiversity, geology, and environmental heritage. The palace itself, once a noble residence and later a British military hospital, adds a stately atmosphere to the exhibits within.

Inside, visitors can explore displays covering everything from paleontology and marine life to entomology and mineralogy. Among the museum’s most remarkable exhibits are a 4,000-year-old mummified Nile crocodile from ancient Egypt, a skull of a False Killer Whale, and the fossilized remains of prehistoric Maltese species. The highlight for many is the enormous tooth of the extinct giant shark Carcharocles megalodon, a tangible reminder of the planet’s deep natural history. Each gallery showcases the scientific curiosity that has driven Maltese researchers for generations.

In addition to its natural collections, the museum pays tribute to local scholars such as Joe Sultana and Lewis Mizzi, whose work deepened understanding of Malta’s unique ecosystems. Exhibits on Filfla and Fungus Rock illustrate the fragility of island biodiversity and the importance of conservation. For those seeking an educational yet awe-inspiring stop on their Mdina walking tour, the National Museum of Natural History offers both intellectual engagement and architectural grandeur.

Standing proudly near the Mdina Gate, the Torre dello Standardo (Tower of the Standard) is both an architectural landmark and a symbol of communication in Malta’s history. Built between 1725 and 1726 to designs by Charles François de Mondion, the same engineer responsible for the city’s gate, the tower replaced an older medieval structure that had been damaged in the 1693 Sicily earthquake. Constructed from limestone in the Baroque style, it formed part of the city’s fortifications and was used to signal important messages across the island.

In its original role, the tower would raise banners and light fires to send warnings of invasion or announcements of celebration. During the 1798 Maltese uprising against French rule, it famously flew Maltese, Neapolitan, and Portuguese flags in solidarity with the resistance. Later, under British rule, the tower served various purposes — including as a telegraph office and a police station — before being restored in the 21st century.

Today, the Torre dello Standardo functions as a visitor information center and occasional cultural venue, offering travelers both practical guidance and a glimpse into Mdina’s layered history. Its solid stone façade, crowned with decorative carvings and the emblem of the Grand Master, stands as a proud gateway marker. For anyone entering Mdina, it is both a literal and symbolic starting point — where centuries of communication between city and island converge.

Housed in an 18th-century building adjacent to St. Paul’s Cathedral, the Mdina Cathedral Museum is a treasure trove of sacred art and Maltese history. Its collection, spanning centuries, showcases the wealth of artistic and religious devotion that defined Mdina as the island’s spiritual heart. The museum’s Baroque architecture, with its arched corridors and ornate ceilings, provides the perfect setting for its impressive displays of paintings, silverware, vestments, and illuminated manuscripts.

Among its many highlights are over 60 original prints by Albrecht Dürer, a rare collection that attracts art lovers from around the world. Visitors can also admire ecclesiastical artifacts once used in the cathedral’s liturgies, including intricate chalices, reliquaries, and processional crosses. The museum not only celebrates artistry but also tells the story of faith and craftsmanship that shaped Malta’s Catholic identity. Each exhibit is carefully curated to illustrate the evolution of religious art from the medieval period to the Baroque age.

For those seeking a deeper connection to Mdina’s spiritual past, the museum can be visited alongside the cathedral itself with a combination ticket. This allows guests to experience both the art and architecture that made the city a beacon of faith in the Mediterranean. Whether you’re a lover of fine art or history, the Mdina Cathedral Museum offers a captivating journey through the sacred treasures of Malta’s ecclesiastical heritage.

Dominating the skyline with its twin bell towers and majestic dome, St. Paul’s Cathedral is the spiritual and architectural heart of Mdina. The original medieval cathedral was destroyed in the 1693 Sicily earthquake, but it was magnificently rebuilt by the famed Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà between 1696 and 1702. The cathedral’s Baroque façade, adorned with Corinthian pilasters and a grand pediment, reflects both strength and grace, embodying the faith and resilience of the Maltese people.

Inside, the cathedral is a masterpiece of design and devotion. Marble floors inlaid with tombstones of bishops and noble families lead visitors toward the high altar, where Stefano Erardi’s “Conversion of Saint Paul” commands attention. The intricate ceiling frescoes and gilded details celebrate biblical scenes and Maltese history, while side chapels house exquisite sculptures and paintings by artists such as Mattia Preti. Every element of the interior invites awe and reverence, making it one of Malta’s most beautiful sacred spaces.

The cathedral stands on the traditional site where Saint Paul met the Roman governor Publius after his shipwreck on Malta in AD 60 — a story that cemented the island’s deep Christian roots. Today, it continues to serve as the seat of the Archbishop of Malta and a centerpiece for religious and cultural life. For visitors, it is both a pilgrimage site and a testament to Mdina’s enduring role as Malta’s spiritual capital.

Tucked away along one of Mdina’s winding lanes, Gourgion House stands as a testament to the city’s noble heritage and architectural grace. Once the residence of a prominent Maltese family, it captures the refined elegance of 18th-century Mdina with its symmetrical stone façade, ornate balconies, and traditional wooden apertures. The building’s design reflects the period’s transition from fortress-like medieval dwellings to more comfortable and decorative Baroque-style homes that emphasized beauty and prestige.

The Gourgion family, known for their contribution to local governance and culture, left an enduring mark on Maltese history. While the house has changed hands over time, it retains much of its original character and structure. The upper floors once served as living quarters, adorned with frescoes, tapestries, and carved wooden furniture — elements that reflected both wealth and taste. The ground level, built with thick limestone walls, provided stability and cool respite from the Maltese sun, an example of local adaptation to climate and lifestyle.

Today, Gourgion House remains one of Mdina’s most photogenic private residences. Though it’s not open to the public, its well-preserved exterior makes it a highlight for architecture enthusiasts exploring the old city. The combination of historical authenticity and understated elegance offers a rare glimpse into how Mdina’s noble families once lived — blending practicality, faith, and refined aesthetics within the fortified city walls.

Saint Sofia Palace (Palazzo Santa Sofia) is one of Mdina’s most historically significant buildings, embodying layers of architectural evolution. Its ground floor dates back to 1233, making it among the oldest surviving domestic structures in Malta. Originally built as a noble residence, the palace reflects the medieval city’s blend of practicality and grandeur, with a simple façade punctuated by arched doorways and finely carved stone details. The inscription marking its construction still stands proudly above one of its windows — a tangible link to nearly eight centuries of Maltese history.

In the 20th century, the palace was expanded, with an upper floor added after 1938 that harmonizes surprisingly well with the medieval base. The upper façade showcases four ornate mullioned windows and carved coats of arms, echoing the noble heritage of Mdina’s past residents. Inside, the palace has served many purposes — from private residence to school run by Roman Catholic nuns — and today it is managed by Fondazzjoni Patrimonju Malti, a foundation dedicated to preserving Malta’s cultural heritage.

Though Palazzo Santa Sofia is not open for general public tours, it remains one of Mdina’s architectural gems. The exterior alone tells a story of endurance and adaptation, while its Grade 1 national monument status underscores its cultural value. The palace’s quiet presence along Triq Santa Sofia contrasts with the grandeur of Mdina’s cathedrals, offering visitors a glimpse into the domestic life of Malta’s medieval elite. For lovers of architecture, it is a must-see stop on any walking tour of Mdina.

Palazzo Falson, also known as The Norman House, is one of Mdina’s crown jewels — a beautifully preserved medieval townhouse dating back to around 1495. It’s the second oldest building in the city, surpassed only by the ground floor of Saint Sofia Palace. Originally constructed as a residence for Maltese nobility, it embodies the architectural transition from medieval austerity to Renaissance grace. Its charming courtyard, pointed arches, and ornate stonework capture the refinement and prestige of Mdina’s noble class.

Over the centuries, the building underwent expansions and restorations, with its most famous resident being Captain Olof Frederick Gollcher (1889–1962) — an artist, philanthropist, and collector. Gollcher filled the house with his extensive collection of art, antiques, furniture, and books, which now form the heart of the Palazzo Falson Historic House Museum. Visitors can explore seventeen rooms, including the Kitchen, Armoury, Carpet Gallery, and Library, each carefully restored to reflect the elegance of a bygone era.

Among its treasures is a rare 10-hour French Revolution-era timepiece made by master watchmaker Robert Robin, a creation so rare that only three are known to exist worldwide. The collection also includes silverware, porcelain, paintings, and historic manuscripts — all displayed in a way that feels intimate and personal. Palazzo Falson is not just a museum; it’s a living home, offering visitors a step back into the daily life of Mdina’s aristocracy.

Perched along the city’s fortifications, Bastion Square (Pjazza tas-Sur) offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of Malta. Once part of Mdina’s defensive network, the square evolved into a peaceful open space that beautifully balances history and tranquility. The vantage point from here stretches across the Maltese countryside toward the town of Mosta, with its famous domed church dominating the horizon. It’s a perfect place to pause and appreciate the city’s elevated position — the same strategic viewpoint that ancient builders chose thousands of years ago.

The architecture surrounding Bastion Square showcases the refined elegance of 18th-century Mdina, with well-preserved stone facades and traditional Maltese balconies. The atmosphere is serene yet alive, as visitors and locals gather to admire the sweeping panorama or enjoy a drink at the nearby cafés. Despite being one of the city’s most photographed locations, the square never feels crowded, especially in the early morning or late afternoon when golden light bathes the bastions.

Bastion Square is not just about scenery — it’s also a place where history resonates. Standing here, one can imagine the soldiers of the Order of St. John patrolling the ramparts, watching over the island. Today, the same walls that once defended Malta now offer some of its most peaceful and inspiring views, making Bastion Square a must-visit stop on any Mdina walking tour.

Saint Agatha’s Chapel is one of Mdina’s most intimate and historically resonant places of worship. Originally built in 1417 by Francesco Gatto and his wife Paola de’ Castelli, it has stood for over six centuries as a symbol of faith and endurance. The current structure dates from 1696, following the reconstruction necessitated by the 1693 Sicily earthquake, which devastated much of Mdina. The chapel was redesigned by celebrated Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafà, the same genius behind St. Paul’s Cathedral, lending it an air of Baroque refinement and spiritual warmth.

Inside, visitors are greeted by a delicate harmony of light, color, and craftsmanship. The titular painting of Saint Agatha, created by Giuseppe D’Arena, captures the saint in serene devotion beside Saint Adrian, a powerful visual of martyrdom and faith. The simplicity of the chapel’s single nave and the intimacy of its scale contrast beautifully with Mdina’s grander churches, creating a space that feels deeply personal. Despite its modest size, the chapel’s art and atmosphere leave a lasting impression on all who visit.

Blessed on 26 June 1696 in the presence of Bishop Davide Cocco Palmieri and Grand Master Adrien de Wignacourt, Saint Agatha’s Chapel stands as both a place of worship and a monument to Mdina’s resilience. Its survival through centuries of upheaval reflects the city’s unbroken devotion. Today, it remains one of Mdina’s hidden gems — a quiet retreat where visitors can pause and reflect amid the city’s timeless splendor.

The Knights of Malta Experience, located within the historic gunpowder vaults beneath Mdina’s bastions, offers an immersive journey through the island’s storied past. This unique attraction recreates the world of the Order of St. John, who ruled Malta from 1530 until the late 18th century. The museum’s setting — a network of centuries-old chambers carved into the city’s fortifications — provides an authentic atmosphere that immediately transports visitors back to the age of chivalry and intrigue.

Inside, a series of meticulously crafted tableaux featuring over 120 life-sized figures bring history vividly to life. These scenes depict pivotal moments from the Knights’ era, from their arrival in Malta to the defense of the island during the Great Siege of 1565. Each display is enhanced by dramatic lighting, period sound effects, and detailed costuming, creating a sensory experience that blends education with storytelling. The experience is available in multiple languages, ensuring accessibility for visitors from around the world.

Beyond its visual spectacle, the Knights of Malta Museum highlights the cultural and architectural legacy the Order left behind — from fortifications and hospitals to churches and palaces. It’s more than just a museum; it’s a theatrical retelling of Malta’s defining centuries. For anyone seeking to understand the spirit of Mdina and its role in Malta’s history, this stop is essential.

The Greeks Gate (It-Torri tal-Griegi) is one of Mdina’s most historically significant entrances, offering visitors a glimpse into the city’s layered past. Originally constructed during the medieval period, it once served as one of the main access points to the fortified city. The gate takes its name from the Greek community that once lived nearby, though it was also notable for its somber role — historically, it was the only gate through which slaves were permitted to enter Mdina.

The original structure was flanked by a D-shaped defensive tower, forming part of the medieval city’s fortifications. Over the centuries, the gate underwent several transformations, with the most significant alteration occurring in 1724, when architect Charles François de Mondion redesigned it in the Baroque style. The new façade, with its elegant stone carvings and heraldic symbols, reflects the grandeur of the Order of St. John while preserving traces of the older medieval gate behind it.

Today, the rear section of the Greeks Gate still retains its original medieval design, making it a rare architectural survival in Mdina. Visitors can admire the contrast between the austere medieval masonry and the ornamental Baroque front — a visual metaphor for Mdina’s long history of transformation. As you pass through, you walk quite literally through centuries of architecture, from the Middle Ages to the high Baroque era, all within a few steps.

Mesquita Square (Pjazza Mesquita) is one of Mdina’s most picturesque and atmospheric corners — a small, sun-dappled courtyard surrounded by golden-stone townhouses and noble residences. Once a private residential area for the city’s elite, the square has retained its quiet charm over the centuries. At its heart lies a small ancient well, believed to date back to the Middle Ages, offering a tangible link to the city’s early domestic life. The surrounding buildings, with their carved stone balconies and arched doorways, create an ambiance that perfectly captures the essence of medieval Mdina.

The square has also achieved modern fame through popular culture — “Game of Thrones” fans may recognize it as the location where key scenes from the show’s first season were filmed, including those set in King’s Landing. Its intimate scale and authentic architecture made it a natural choice for the production, and it continues to attract film enthusiasts eager to walk the same cobblestones. Yet, despite this fame, Mesquita Square remains delightfully tranquil, offering a rare moment of peace amid the city’s winding lanes.

Visitors often linger here to take photographs, enjoy the play of light across the honey-colored walls, or simply sit at one of the small cafés nearby to soak in the atmosphere. The square’s stillness and timeless beauty make it one of the best things to see in Mdina on any walking tour — a place where Malta’s past feels close enough to touch.