Mdina(L- Imdina) is a fortified city in island of Malta,often called The Silent City. Mdina is one of Europe's finest examples of an ancient walled city with medieval and baroque architecture. It's the oldest city on the island, dating back 4,000 years.
Malta's old capital city, Mdina, is simply a must-do on your next trip to Malta. With a history spanning over 400 years, Mdina, also known as 'the noble city' or 'the silent city', has retained its quaint charm until this very day.
The old city of Valletta is built on a hill, and many of its streets are narrow, pedestrian-only alleys with steps or ramps leading down to the waterfront.
Malta has a long history and was first inhabited in around 5900 BC. The first inhabitants were farmers, and their agricultural methods degraded the soil until the islands became uninhabitable.
This name was originally coined when the capital city was moved out of Mdina and into what is modern day Vittoriosa. This movement left Mdina so uninhabited that people started to consider it to be like a ghost town, and the silent city nickname was born.
Malta experienced significant emigration as a result of the collapse of a construction boom in 1907 and after World War II, when the birth rate increased significantly, but in the twentieth century most emigrants went to destinations in the New World, particularly the United States and Australia.
Malta is known for being St. Paul's birthplace, along with several ancient temples. The country is also home to the Hypogeum, an underground UNESCO Site. You'll also find plenty of museums and galleries on the island and fortifications dating back to the medieval era.
Until 1530 Malta was an extension of Sicily: The Normans, the Aragonese and other conquerors who ruled over Sicily also governed the Maltese Islands. It was Charles V who bequeathed Malta to the Sovereign Military Order of St. John of Jerusalem who ruled over Malta from 1530 to 1798.
In fact, the Megalithic Temples of Malta date back to 3600-2500 B.C., with the Ggantija Temples in Gozo being classified as the oldest structure in the world, dating back to around 3600-3200 B.C. There are several pre-historic temples scattered around the Maltese islands, seven of which are listed as UNESCO World ...
A significant prehistoric Neolithic culture marked by Megalithic structures, which date back to c. 3600 BC, existed on the islands, as evidenced by the temples of Bugibba, Mnajdra, Ggantija and others. The Phoenicians colonised Malta between 800 and 700 BC, bringing their Semitic language and culture.
The Carthaginians ruled the Maltese islands for approximately 250 years, until the Romans seized Malta in 218 BC at the second Punic War. Twisting the island's Phoenician name, the Romans called Malta “Melita”.
Ggantija Temples History
Ggantija is a megalithic temple complex from the Neolithic era (c. 3600–2500 BC), on the Mediterranean island of Gozo in Malta. The Ggantija temples are the earliest of the Megalithic Temples of Malta and are older than the pyramids of Egypt.
Malta was part of the British Empire for over 150 years, so it is hardly surprising that business, laws and education have some British overtones. Today, you'll find plenty of this special blend of Mediterranean Britishness around in Maltese daily life. English is a joint official language with Maltese.
Damascus, Syria - 11000 years old
Damascus is the world's oldest city and has seen many great civilizations rise and fall. As per historical evidence, Damascus was first inhabited in the second half of the seventh millennia BC.
Iran. Iran is the oldest country in the world founded in 3200 B.C. and has a topography characterized by numerous mountains and mountain ranges. Iran was established as a country in 3200 B.C. It lies between the Middle East and Asia, bordering prominent countries like Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
Bulgaria is the oldest country in Europe and the only country that has not changed its name since it was first established. In the 7th century AD, the Proto- Bulgarians led by Khan Asparuh crossed the Danube River and in 681, they established their own state south of the Danube.
With its cultural and historical heritage dating back 8000 years, Plovdiv is considered to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe and one of the oldest in the world. It is located at the foot of seven syenite hills and still is one of the best Bulgarian cities to live in.
Basque. Western Europe's oldest language is Basque. This language is unrelated to any other language on the planet, and its structure is unique.
Portugal is the oldest nation state on the Iberian Peninsula and one of the oldest in Europe, its territory having been continuously settled, invaded and fought over since prehistoric times.
The choice between the two ultimately depends on your preferences for size, diversity, and the specific experiences you're seeking. Sicily is 81 times larger than Malta offering more beaches, scenery and historical sites. Both islands have many kids activities that can keep families busy for days.
The Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) is Malta's military organisation tasked with primary defence functions and safeguarding national sovereignty and interest, both in peacetime and in crisis.
Culture, history, archaeology, boat tours, sun, sea and fabulous food — Malta has it all.