Mdina: The Silent City of Malta

• HelloBongu
  [bon-goo]
• GoodbyeĊaw
  [chow]
• YesIva
  [ee-va]
• NoLe
  [leh]
• Please/You're welcomeJekk jogħġbok
  [yekk yow-gh-bock]
• Thank youGrazzi
  [grat-see]
• Excuse me/SorryJekk jogħġbok
  [yekk yow-gh-bock]
• How are you?Kif int?
  [keef eent]
• Fine. And you?Tajjeb. U int?
  [tay-yeb. ooh eent]
• Do you speak English?Titkellem bl-Ingliż?
  [tit-kel-lem belling-leez]
• I don't understandMa nifhimx
  [mah neef-heemsh]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseNixtieq inara l-menu, jekk jogħġbok
  [nish-tee-ek ee-nara l-meh-noo, yekk yow-gh-bock]
• I don't eat meatMa nagħmlux ikel tal-laħam
  [mah nahl-mloosh ee-kel tal-lah-ham]
• Cheers!Saħħa!
  [sa-ha]
• I would like to pay, pleaseNixtieq inissel, jekk jogħġbok
  [nish-tee-ek ee-niss-sel, yekk yow-gh-bock]

• Help!Għajni!
  [ai-nee]
• Go away!Mur!
  [moor]
• Call the Police!Ċempel il-Pulizija!
  [chem-pel eel-poo-lee-zee-ya]
• Call a doctor!Ċempel tabib!
  [chem-pel ta-beeb]
• I'm lostInqasart
  [ing-ha-sart]
• I'm illInqasart
  [ing-ha-sart]

• I'd like to buy...Nixtieq inixtri...
  [nish-tee-ek ee-nish-tree]
• I'm just lookingQed nara biss
  [ked na-ra biss]
• How much is it?Kemm huwa dan?
  [kem hoo-wa dan]
• That's too expensiveDan huwa wisq sħiħ
  [dan hoo-wa wees-sk sah-hee]
• Can you lower the price?Tista' tniżżel il-prezz?
  [tis-ta tneez-zel eel-prezz]

• What time is it?X'inħuma huwa?
  [shin-hoo-ma hoo-wa]
• It's one o'clockHuwa l-ebda
  [hoo-wa leb-da]
• Half past (10)Noqs ta' (10)
  [noh-sh ta]
• MorningFilgħodu
  [fil-gho-doo]
• AfternoonWaranofsinhar
  [wa-ra-no-fsi-nhar]
• EveningFilgħaxija
  [fil-ga-shee-ya]
• YesterdayIlbieraħ
  [il-bee-rah]
• TodayIllum
  [il-lum]
• TomorrowGħada
  [a-da]
• 1Wieħed
  [wee-hed]
• 2Tnejn
  [tnejn]
• 3Tlieta
  [tlee-ta]
• 4Erba'
  [er-ba]
• 5Ħamsa
  [ham-sa]
• 6Sitta
  [sit-ta]
• 7Sebba'
  [seb-ba]
• 8Tmienja
  [tmi-en-ya]
• 9Disgħa
  [dis-gha]
• 10Għaxra
  [ga-shra]

• Where's a/the...?Fejn hemm...
  [feyn hemm]
• What's the address?X'inhu l-indirizz?
  [shin-hoo l-ind-ee-rez]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Tista' turijni (fuq il-mappa)?
  [tis-ta too-ree-nee fooq il-map-pa]
• When's the next (bus)?Meta jasal il-ġej?
  [me-ta ya-sal il-jay]
• A ticket (to ....)Biljett (għal ....)
  [bil-yet (al)]

Mdina, known as the 'Silent City,' traces its origins back to around 700 BC when the Phoenicians established it as Maleth. The strategic location on a hilltop made it an ideal defensive site. The city was later expanded and fortified by the Romans, who renamed it Melite.

In 870 AD, the Arabs conquered Malta and renamed the city Mdina, derived from the Arabic word 'medina' meaning 'city.' They enhanced its fortifications, introduced new architectural styles, and left an indelible mark on its culture and language.

The Normans captured Mdina in 1091, incorporating Malta into the Kingdom of Sicily. The city flourished under Norman rule, becoming a hub of administration and commerce. The fortifications were strengthened, and several palaces and churches were built during this period.

In 1530, the Knights of St. John took control of Malta, including Mdina. They further fortified the city to protect against Ottoman invasions. While Valletta became the new capital, Mdina retained its status as a noble city, housing many of Malta's aristocrats.

A devastating earthquake struck Mdina in 1693, causing significant damage to its buildings and fortifications. The city underwent extensive reconstruction, giving rise to the Baroque architecture that characterizes Mdina today.

In 1798, Napoleon's forces briefly occupied Malta, including Mdina. The French rule was short-lived, and by 1800, the British had taken over Malta. Mdina's strategic importance waned during British rule, but its historical and cultural significance remained intact.

Today, Mdina is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a testament to Malta's rich and diverse history. The city’s narrow, winding streets and ancient buildings attract tourists from around the world, eager to experience its timeless beauty and historical significance.

Mdina is located in the central part of Malta and is easily accessible from various parts of the island. The nearest international gateway is Malta International Airport (MLA), approximately 12 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi, a rental car, or a direct bus (Route X3) to Mdina. The bus journey takes about 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can reach Mdina by taxi or ride-sharing services from most locations on the island.

Mdina is a small, pedestrian-friendly city, and many of its attractions are within walking distance. Cars are not permitted inside the city walls, but there are parking facilities available just outside. For those looking to explore further afield, local buses are reliable and can take you to other parts of Malta. Taxis and ride-sharing services are also readily available and offer a convenient way to travel.

The official currency in Malta is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops. However, it's advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or markets. ATMs are available around Mdina, and most of them accept international cards. Currency exchange services are also available at the airport and in major towns.

Mdina is generally a very safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Keep your belongings secure, especially in crowded areas, and avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Mdina. The local police are friendly and helpful, and it's easy to find assistance if needed.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services, including police, fire, and medical help. The nearest hospital is Mater Dei Hospital in Msida, about 10 kilometers away from Mdina. Pharmacies are available in nearby Rabat, where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. It's advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. When entering churches or other religious sites, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees. Public Transport: Do be courteous and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Hello' or 'Bongu' (Good morning in Maltese). A handshake is also common. Eating & Drinking: Do try local Maltese dishes, and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Mdina like a local, take a leisurely stroll through its narrow streets and explore the hidden corners. Visit Fontanella Tea Garden for a slice of their famous chocolate cake while enjoying panoramic views. Engage with local residents, who are often willing to share stories about Mdina's rich history. Attend local events and festivals, such as the annual Mdina Medieval Festival, to immerse yourself in the local culture.