Malta

Mdina (Citta Vecchia)

WHS Score 0.82
rate
Votes 62 Average 0.87
Show votes
Votes for Mdina (Citta Vecchia)

0

  • Alikander99
  • Argo
  • Aspasia
  • Caspar Dechmann
  • Dwight Zehuan Xiao
  • Javier
  • Ralf Regele
  • Wojciech Fedoruk

1

  • Aidan Coohill
  • Andrew_Kerr
  • Astraftis
  • Bossc
  • Bropyk
  • Can SARICA
  • Carlos Sotelo
  • Christoph
  • Christravelblog
  • Clyde
  • CugelVance
  • Daniel C-Hazard
  • Daniel R-F
  • David Berlanda
  • Digits
  • Dimitar Krastev
  • Doubanjiang
  • Eric PK
  • Federico P.
  • gautamiyer23
  • Ian Cade
  • ih0000
  • Inigo Cia
  • James Bowyer
  • João Aender
  • JobStopar
  • Jon Opol
  • J. Stevens
  • Kelise
  • Kevin247
  • Leafar98
  • Londonium
  • Lucio Gorla
  • Martina Rúčková
  • Mateusz
  • MH
  • Mo-han Je
  • Mohboh
  • nan
  • Purrfect
  • Rafał Kałczuga
  • Riccardo Quaranta
  • Rodinia
  • Roman Raab
  • Sebasfhb
  • Stanimir
  • StaziG
  • Svein Elias
  • Tarquinio_Superbo
  • Thibault Magnien
  • Vernon Prieto
  • VLabhard
  • WalGra
  • Zoe
Mdina is a fortified urban settlement on a hill in the centre of Malta's main island. Mdina was founded in the 8th century BCE by Phoenician settlers and was the capital of Malta until the medieval period. The townscape is characterised by Baroque architecture, most notable the St Paul's Cathedral built between 1697 and 1702.

Site Info

Official Information
Full Name
Mdina (Citta Vecchia) (ID: 983)
Country
Malta
Status
On tentative list 1998 Site history
History of Mdina (Citta Vecchia)
1998: Added to Tentative List
Added to tentative list
Criteria
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org

Community Information

Travel Information
No travel information
Recent Connections
No connections… yet. Propose a connection.
News

No news.

Recent Visitors
View all (200)
Visitors of Mdina (Citta Vecchia)
Reserved for members.

Community Reviews

Show full reviews
First published: 19/01/25.

Andrew_Kerr

Mdina (Citta Vecchia)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) (On tentative list)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) by Andrew_Kerr

Mdina, nicknamed the silent city and it's easy to see why when you are there. Explore the maze of narrow streets and alleyways and often you are the only person there, it's like stepping back in time to a more sedate pace of life.
There are plenty things to see in Mdina, the old city walls, still intact and complete and offering great views of the surrounding countryside, Mdina Gate, the main entrance to the old city and the Baroque, St Paul's Cathedral (picture) are all worthy of your time. As you would expect in Malta, there is a plethora of churches to wander in and out of, encompassing every kind of architectural style.
It seems that most of the dominant cultures in Europe have ruled here at some time, Romans, Greeks, Byzantines, The Knights of St John, the French and the British who have all left their mark in some way. And before them, the Phoenicians established a settlement here in the 8th Century BC.
It's a delightful place to come to and escape the often overcrowded coastal towns and resorts and there's a good choice of facilities catering to the tourist trade.
I really loved it and would go back if the opportunity arose.

Keep reading 0 comments
First published: 24/02/24.

Alikander99

Mdina (Citta Vecchia)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) (On tentative list)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) by Alikander99

I'm gonna go against the current and actually discourage inscription. I know this IS a very popular tentative site and it's indeed a really nice fortified city. My issue is its OUV.

Mdina IS the old capital of malta, and It has been inhabited since the bronze age. Despite this It has little more than its layout to show for Its old age. There's nothing phoenician, or Roman, or islamic and there's only a couple of medieval components in the city (which are not really that remarkable). As such its strong suit IS actually its well preserved fortified baroque ensemble. And that I see as a problem

You don't need much time in malta to realise which architectural style defines the country. It's baroque. there's baroque In every corner, but that's especially true in la Valeta. Which does have some truly remarkable examples like the cocathedral and IS already (and rightfully) a WHS.

Imo Mdina IS left in a vacuum where Its inscription wouldn't really add anything new to the list. La Valeta already shows local baroque architecture, the history of the knights and has older and more impressive visible fortifications. At the same time the medieval heritage of mdinna, which should differentiate It from la Valeta, IS pretty much nonexistant. As such I don't think the city would adequately represent the fascinating pre-knights history of the island. So it's left without any clear OUV. Perhaps its best chance IS as yet another baroque city in the …

Keep reading 0 comments
First published: 28/08/14.

Anonymous

Mdina (Citta Vecchia)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) (On tentative list)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) by Astraftis

I have been to Malta several times, but only on this visit did I get to Mdina. I was absolutely amazed by the beauty and atmosphere of the place: it leaves other mediaeval walled towns, such as Carcassone, standing. Gorgeous, stylish and beautifully preserved, its a mystery why this lovely little gem of a city does not have world heritage status.

Keep reading 0 comments
First published: 01/04/14.

Clyde

Mdina (Citta Vecchia)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) (On tentative list)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) by Astraftis

This is one of my favourite places in Malta and now that the renovation works are ready even more so. The former capital city of Malta offers various fine buildings (especially those deriving from the Normans), a beautiful co-cathedral, great fortifications and it offers a spectacular panoramic view of the island. The imposing view of Mdina when driving from Mosta is captivating. If you're lucky enough to be in Malta in mid-March make sure to head to Mdina in the evening for some fine fireworks.

Keep reading 0 comments
First published: 10/08/08.

Els Slots

Mdina (Citta Vecchia)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) (On tentative list)

Mdina (Citta Vecchia) by Els Slots

Mdina is the former capital of Malta, and located in the interior. After a couple of days in this country I have learned not to have too high expectations. Mdina turns out to be the number one highlight however. Despite large scale renovations going on, Mdina's atmosphere is chique, quiet (no cars!), clean and most of all enchanting. This walled city has a very Arabic feel, with its sober walls and splendid detailing in the doors and statues. There are also some fine palaces.

Keep reading 0 comments