Why Malta’s ancient capital is known as the Silent City

Countries & Cities · Published 29 September 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Mdina has served as a fortress, a Roman administrative hub, and a medieval capital, yet today it holds a population of just 242. Known as the Silent City, this fortified plateau in Malta remains a maze of narrow streets where history is passed down through generations within its ancient walls.

Inhabited since prehistory, the site of Mdina was a naturally defensible refuge by the Bronze Age. Phoenicians established a colony there around the 8th century BC, and the Romans later expanded the city into a major administrative centre called Melita. At its peak, this Punico-Roman settlement was three times the size of the modern city, extending into what is now the suburb of Rabat. Following the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the city was reduced to its current size, likely to improve its defensive capabilities against increasing threats.

The city’s identity shifted dramatically in the 11th century when it was refounded as Madīnah by Muslim settlers from Sicily. This period left a lasting mark on the city's layout, characterized by narrow, winding streets reminiscent of North African medinas. After the Order of St. John arrived in 1530 and established their capital in Birgu, Mdina lost its status as the administrative heart of the island. However, it remained a bastion for the Maltese nobility and religious authorities, preserving its medieval character through centuries of political change.

The 18th century brought a significant revival under Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena, who commissioned extensive Baroque renovations. Architects like Charles François de Mondion transformed the city, adding grand palaces and fortifications that define its current aesthetic. Today, the city is a major tourist destination, attracting about 1.5 million visitors annually. Despite its popularity, the strict prohibition of most motor vehicles helps maintain the quiet, timeless atmosphere that earned it the moniker of the Silent City.

Mdina’s legacy extends beyond its physical walls into culture and media. It has served as a backdrop for numerous literary works and television productions, including the first season of Game of Thrones. While its political influence has waned since the 16th century, the city remains a living monument, governed by a local council and continuing to house families who have held property there for generations.

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