The walled city of Mdina was Malta's medieval capital and can trace its origins back for more than 4000 years, and it was here in 60 AD that the Apostle St Paul lived after being shipwrecked on his way to stand trial in Rome.
Mdina, has had many invaders and many rulers so its name has changed several times throughout history.
The Romans called it Melita and the Arabs called it Medina. Mdina's medieval name was ‘Citta Notabile’ meaning the noble city and is 200 metres above sea level, and enjoys a spectacular view of the Maltese Islands.
The city earned its present name from the Saracens who came to Malta in about 870 AD. Mdina was home to Malta's noble families some of whom originally came from Scilly, France and Spain from the 12th century onwards. Their impressive houses and palaces line some of the narrow streets and walkways in this fine example of an ancient walled city. Today, cars are banned from most areas so the streets are calm and peaceful allowing a safe and relaxing stroll through some of the best Norman and Baroque architecture on Malta.