Another frozen-in-time medieval city is fortress-like Mdina, located 11 kilometres southwest of Valletta – Malta’s capital. Perched on top of a plateau, the city has been called different names since it was founded 4,000 years ago. During the Bronze Age, it was a fortified settlement. About 1000 BC, the Phoenicians built a wall around the city and named it Malet, which means “protected place.” Mdina received its current name from the Saracens, who took over the island in AD 870. For defence, they built a deep moat to separate Mdina, “the city surrounded by walls,” from Rabat, “the suburb.” Since then, Mdina has scarcely changed. Both its structure and street plan remain as they were more than 1,000 years ago. That’s despite the intervention of different rulers. The Normans brought Christianity, the Knights of St. John caused a mass exodus of citizens to their new city of Valletta and the British made Valletta the centre of activity, leaving Mdina as a refuge for Maltese noblemen. Mdina is now called the “Silent City” because only residents’ cars and emergency vehicles can pass through the entrance gates. Echoes from the past greet you at every nook and corner. Countless details cry out for attention as you journey back in time along its narrow, canyon-like streets. Many of the ornate palaces lining the streets are now private homes, maintained by families who inherited them from their noble ancestors. Life-sized statues of Madonnas and saints gaze down from niches carved into building corners. Antique lion, dolphin and gargoyle door knockers punctuate heavy red, green and brown wooden doors. The scent of a wood fire and the fragrant aroma of freshly baked bread are cues to stop at a café or restaurant to enjoy traditional Maltese food and drink. Enjoy the crusty bread with ġbejniet – small, round cheeses, rolled in crushed black peppercorns and marinated in olive oil and vinegar – and a glass of local red wine. Or, snack on pastizzi (savory Maltese cheesecakes), qassatat (round pastries stuffed with mashed peas) and Kinnie, a bittersweet orange soft drink. If the café that you patronize is on Piazza Mesquita, the beautiful square may look familiar. It and the Mdina Gate were two of the film locations for the fictional capital city of King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. www.visitmalta.com Mdina, Malta 16 | www.snowbirds.org Travel
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