Mdina, the Ancient Capital of Malta

Left the new capital of Malta and headed inland to explore the historic old capital.  The first major settlement of Malta was done by the Phoenicians in the 8th century BC and they settled in what is now Mdina.  The North African Arabs took the city in 870AD , massacred the population, destroyed the city and looted its treasure.  After that Malta was virtually uninhabited until it was resettled in 1048 by a Muslim community and their slaves who created its current protective walls and gave it its current name, Mdina.  It remained the capitol of Malta until the arrival of the members of the Order of St. John in 1530 and the capital was moved to Burgu (now Vittoriosa).  Mdina's city boundaries are contained within its walls and has a population of just 300.

 The walled city of Mdina sits majestically on a hill overlooking lush farmland

 Mdinas's main entry gate.  Originally a moat filled with water surrounded the walled city.  Today it is a lovely garden with paved walkways.

 The main street entering Mdina with the Carmelita Priory Tower in the background.

 The Baroque style St. Pauls Cathedral was completed in 1702.
 
 The interior Nave of St. Pauls Cathedral is painted with scenes from the life of St. Paul.  The floor is also covered in marble tombstones of Maltese nobles and important clergymen.

 A typical narrow lane inside the walls of Mdina.  It is amazing the breeze that is created  and how much the temperature drops inside these lanes. 
 

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