Mdina by Day
Time travel, as we are all too well aware, remains the stuff of science fiction. One day, maybe, but not for now. Sadly that means we will never be able to flick a switch and appear in the middle of a medieval joust armed with a six pack and digital camera. However, in Malta we do have one of the closest things you will ever find to time travel – the ancient city of Mdina.
From the second you step through its imposing gates it will truly feel like you have turned back the clock several hundred years. The narrow streets, fascinating architecture and overall ambience of this stunning place make it one of Malta’s most visited sites.
As you walk in, try to block out the image of the tourists clicking their way down the cobbled lanes and, instead, imagine knights in armour marching up and down looking important and generally acting as if they owned the place – which they pretty much did. And, to top it all off, if you walk to the end of the city – not that far, so non-walkers need not panic – you will be rewarded with the most magnificent view of the island imaginable.
For the more cultural amongst you there are plenty of attractions within the wall of Mdina like numerous musems and historical sites as well as the city’s imposing Cathedral. Getting there is easy whether by car, bus or taxi and there are plenty of officially organised tours which visit the former capital city every day. Visiting Malta without visiting Mdina is not a criminal offence. But it certainly should be. So go.
Getting to this must-see location is easy with buses leaving regularly throughout the day from Sliema. You need to look for the number 65. Just be careful you don’t miss the last bus back. Alternatively, if you have a car then take a quick look at your map before setting off although, due to its touristic importance, Mdina is very well signposted on all major roads.