Mdina, near the center of the island of Malta, affords excellent panoramas of the island. This former capital, often called the "Silent City" because of its quiet environment, is surrounded by walls built by the Arabs and fortified by the Knights of St. John.
Entrance to the city is via a bridge across a dry moat, which leads to the impressive main gate. Apart from its atmospheric and medieval streets, Mdina's attractions include the National Museum of Natural History, Palazzo Falzon (also called the Norman House) and the Carmelite Church.
The Mdina suburb of Rabat (not to be confused with the Rabat on Gozo) is renowned for glassblowing, pottery and weaving—try to watch the craftspeople at work. Roman Domus Mdina is 7 mi/11 km from Valletta.
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