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Journey into Malta's Dark Past at the Mdina Dungeons

Explore Malta's dark history through vivid recreations of medieval prison life in the atmospheric Mdina Dungeons Museum.

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Delve into the grim history of Malta at the Mdina Dungeons Museum, located beneath the Vilhena Palace in the historic city of Mdina. Explore recreated scenes of medieval prison life, torture, and punishment through startlingly realistic displays.

Plan your visit

A brief summary to The Mdina Dungeons Museum

Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.

Plan your visit

📍
St. Publius Square, Mdina, MT
Monday
10 am-4 pm
Tuesday
10 am-4 pm
Wednesday
10 am-4 pm
Thursday
10 am-4 pm
Friday
10 am-4 pm
Saturday
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Sunday
9:30 am-4:30 pm
Eve
From Eve

Know before you go

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

Local know-how to help you travel smarter and make the most of every moment.

Allow at least one hour to fully experience the museum's exhibits.
Read the descriptions inside the museum to gain insight into the history and context of the displays.
The museum is not recommended for the faint of heart or young children due to its graphic content.
Combine your visit with a walk through Mdina's charming streets and other historical landmarks.

Discover more about The Mdina Dungeons Museum

The Mdina Dungeons Museum offers a chilling glimpse into Malta's darker historical chapters. Located beneath the Magisterial Vilhena Palace, just inside Mdina's main gate, the museum uses the setting of 17th-century vaults that once served as prison cells to create an immersive and unsettling experience.Visitors can explore a series of underground passageways, chambers, and cells where life-sized figures and displays depict scenes of torture, imprisonment, and public executions from the Roman era through the rule of the Knights and Napoleon. The museum vividly recreates the harsh realities of medieval justice and the suffering endured by prisoners.The Mdina Dungeons aims to provide an educational experience, shedding light on the historical context of the medieval era and the role of prisons during that time. It offers insights into the justice system of the past and how prisoners were treated compared to modern times. The museum is known for its realistic and sometimes gruesome displays, designed to leave a lasting impression on visitors.

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    Getting There

    Walking

    The Mdina Dungeons Museum is located in St. Publius Square, just inside Mdina's main gate. After entering the city gate, the Vilhena Palace, where the dungeons are located, is the first building on your right. The museum is easily accessible on foot from anywhere within Mdina's city walls.

    Public Transport

    The nearest bus stops to Mdina are Saqqajja and Rabat 4, both a short walk from the city gate. From the bus stops, walk towards the main gate of Mdina. Enter the city, and the Vilhena Palace, where the dungeons are located, is the first building on your right. A single bus fare costs €2.60 and is valid for all-day travel.

    Taxi

    Taxis can drop off and pick up passengers outside Mdina's main gate. From the taxi drop-off point, walk through the main gate. The Vilhena Palace, where the dungeons are located, is the first building on your right. A short taxi ride from nearby Rabat to Mdina costs approximately €15-€20.

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