Mdina Gate, Bugibba Travel Guide

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Enter Malta's ancient capital through this iconic Baroque gate, a filming location for Game of Thrones and a journey through history.

The Mdina Gate, also known as the Vilhena Gate, is the main entrance to Mdina, Malta's ancient capital. Built in 1724 in the Baroque style, it's an impressive historical landmark and a popular filming location, most notably for the TV series *Game of Thrones*.

A brief summary to Mdina Gate

VCM3+V9W, Mdina, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Mdina Gate.

Visit early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid the crowds and experience Mdina's peaceful atmosphere.
Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets of Mdina are paved with cobblestones.
Take your time to explore the side streets and discover hidden gems within the city walls.
Check out the views from the city walls; they offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding countryside.
Visit during the Medieval Mdina Festival in April to see the city come alive with reenactments and traditional crafts.

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Explore Mdina Gate on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Mdina Gate, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Rabat bus terminus, walk straight towards Mdina. The Mdina Gate is approximately 200 meters away, a short, direct walk from the bus stops. Cross the bridge spanning the ditch to reach the entrance.
Public Transport

Take a bus to the Rabat bus terminus. Many bus routes serve this terminus from various locations in Malta, including Valletta (routes 50, 51, 52, 53, 56), Sliema, and St. Julian's. From Valletta, the bus ticket costs €2.60 and is valid all day. From the bus stops, the Mdina Gate is a short walk away.
Taxi/Ride-Share

Ask your driver to drop you off at the designated taxi drop-off point near the Mdina Gate in Rabat. From there, it is a short walk across the bridge to the gate. A taxi from Valletta to Mdina costs approximately €30-€40. A taxi from Sliema to Mdina should cost around €12.
Parking

If driving, be aware that parking inside Mdina is prohibited for non-residents. Several car parks are available just outside the city walls in Rabat. There is a small car park next to the playground area just outside the Mdina Gate. A larger car park is located 200 meters away from Mdina Gate, beside the Rabat bus terminus. Parking attendants may be present, and payment is at your discretion. Parking in these areas is limited and can be difficult during busy times.

Discover more about Mdina Gate

The Mdina Gate, or Il-Bieb tal-Imdina, is more than just an entrance; it's a journey through time. As the main gate to the fortified city of Mdina, it stands as a testament to the island's rich and layered past. Originally founded by the Phoenicians around 700 BC, Mdina, then known as Maleth, served as Malta's capital for centuries. The city's strategic hilltop location offered a defensible position, attracting various rulers and cultures over time.The current gate, a magnificent example of Baroque architecture, was constructed in 1724 during the reign of Grand Master António Manoel de Vilhena. Designed by French architect Charles François de Mondion, the gate replaced an older, less formidable entrance. The reconstruction was part of a broader renovation of Mdina, intended to modernize the city's defenses and infrastructure. The gate is adorned with intricate details, including double pilasters, coats of arms, and a Latin inscription. Statues of St. Paul, St. Agatha, and St. Publius, the patron saints of Malta, grace the gate's interior.Stepping through the Mdina Gate is like stepping back in time. The narrow, winding streets of Mdina, largely unchanged for centuries, exude a palpable sense of history. The gate's imposing presence has also made it a popular filming location, most famously serving as the entrance to King's Landing in *Game of Thrones*. Today, the Mdina Gate is a Grade 1 national monument, attracting visitors from around the globe.