Mdina

The Xara Palace is a luxurious, boutique hotel in Mdina.

Malta's Sun-Kissed 'Silent City' Javier Espinoza 2010

Beyond the walls of Mdina, those with a passion for outdoor activities can head to Gozo, the second-largest island in the Maltese archipelago.

Malta's Sun-Kissed 'Silent City' Javier Espinoza 2010

(In fact, the local council of Mdina has made sure the city's granite walls are kept in an almost pristine state; they are covered in special oils and coating every two to five years to help retain their original state and rustic appearance.)

Malta's Sun-Kissed 'Silent City' Javier Espinoza 2010

With or igins dating back more than 4,000 years, Mdina has been a place marked by its nobility — and its ever-changing rulers, from the Phoenicians to the Greeks to the Romans to the British.

Malta's Sun-Kissed 'Silent City' Javier Espinoza 2010

The other non-Victoria Rabat is on Malta itself, abutting Mdina, the ‘silent city’, and quite a beauty.

Sheila and Andrew | clusterflock 2009

Relais & Chateaux A lounge at Xara Palace Mdina, Arabic for "the most important city," amalgamates a collection of narrow alleyways and streets, where only residents are allowed to take their cars.

Malta's Sun-Kissed 'Silent City' Javier Espinoza 2010

Karl Borg A view of Mdina There is something revitalizing about walking through the ancient, winding streets of the walled city of Mdina.

Malta's Sun-Kissed 'Silent City' Javier Espinoza 2010

Winding our way up the fortified city streets, we reach the high point of Mdina, on the far side of the city, where one can imagine soldiers keeping watch during the bloody siege of 1565 and, later, the noble families enjoying the east coast view of the island during the hot summer nights.

Malta's Sun-Kissed 'Silent City' Javier Espinoza 2010

The other non-Victoria Rabat is on Malta itself, abutting Mdina, the ‘silent city’, and quite a beauty.

Sheila and Andrew | clusterflock 2009

Although under Arab rule for 200 years (the Maltese language is Arabic-influenced - for example, the old capital was Mdina, 'the city'), the excellently named Count Roger the Norman restored the old faith.

Archive 2005-12-11 Laban 2005