The Silent City Of Malta
One hour journey through the former Maltese capital — Mdina
Mdina. The word comes from an Arabic word, ‘Madiinat’, which means city. It also has another name, ‘Silent City’ or ‘City of Silence’ because no one speaks loudly within the ancient capital of Malta. It is Mdina’s rule not to disturb the inhabitants.
It was during the first days of my Erasmus stay in Malta. My roommate and I, with other Erasmus students we had just met, had decided to explore Malta right from Mdina. Where else can you start if not from the city that has the story of the centuries to tell?
The entrance to the silent city
It was nearly two in the afternoon when we gathered in front of the grand entrance to the Mdina. It was crowded yet quiet at the same time. Horse-drawn carts, cars, and people on foot passed by on the same road.
The walls that protect the city are a little yellowish, but this is normal in Malta. The style of construction brings to mind Arab towns. It’s no coincidence. Being in the middle, between Europe and Africa, and having also been colonized by Arabs and Europeans, the little Mediterranean island absorbs both cultures. Even the Maltese language is a fusion of Arabic, Italian, and English.
Once we passed through the entrance, we gasped. Not only the great walls but the whole city is painted yellow. The afternoon sun gave more intensity to this sensation. It is the limestone rock that gives Mdina this color. Building palaces and walls from limestone rock is a method widely used in Malta.
The alleys of Mdina
It was October. The Bougainvillea flowers that overlooked the balconies were almost at the end of their maximum bloom. All visitors were greeted by these purple-colored flowers that symbolize welcome — and it was the perfect welcome! The purple-colored flowers on the yellow walls gave the sensation of wandering in a village very far from the city and modernity.
As we walked through the alleys, the Arab villages always came into my mind. It looked a lot like the ones I’ve always seen on TV. Being one of the first days of my Erasmus, I still didn’t have much information about Malta, nor did I understand why I found Arabic words in Maltese. The mixed culture reflects so much on the daily life of Malta.
The alleys were so silent that even our footsteps could be heard. Everyone respected the rule of Mdina. There is also a risk of getting lost, as almost all the alleyways look the same to one who visits the city of Mdina for the first time.
While going around the city, we arrived at a square from where we could admire a beautiful panoramic view. The farmland in the middle of the golden hills extends to the Mediterranean Sea. One can stand there to admire the view while getting lost in the sea waves.
After a walk of almost an hour in the old capital of Malta, we said goodbye to the silent city. It was three in the afternoon. Then, before returning to Italy, I went there again in the evening, this time with my two roommates. And the city of silence was at the peak of its tranquility.
