Mdina

My first real venture in to central Malta and the more I see of the island the more I like it. Along the way I spotted lots of places I want to visit, but first, here goes another potted history session, thanks to my trusted guidebook of course.... but Tony Robinson beware, Time Team's people are liaising with my people as we speak... this time next year I may well be top celebrity historian and miwionaire.

Mdina (literally meaning "walled city") was named by the Arabs who occupied the city from 870 to 1090. It has been the home of Malta's most noble families, but now known as the "silent city" as just 400 residents remain. Not very silent when saturated with tourists in the summer I shouldn't think.

The main gate.

St Paul's Cathedral, behind which is the Nunnery of St Benedict, a medieval hospital for women, today housing about twenty nuns. They are never allowed to leave, even after death they are buried in the vaults. I inquired about joining but apparently my halo isn't shiny enough.

The best preserved early 16th century aristocratic place, Palazzo Falzon. Now a museum.

This 17th century house had its 15 seconds of fame in 1798 when the French commander was thrown off its balcony, sparking the beginning of the uprising of the French occupation. Something to do with a tapestry.... glad he didn't die in vain over something futile.