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Polaroid of the Week: Timeless Medieval Mdina, Malta

Polaroid of the Week: Timeless Medieval Mdina, MaltaBefore returning to Germany from Malta, I rented a car to explore more of this compact island nation. My friend Umei and I discovered charming fishing villages, secluded bays, and historic towns—making it my favorite day on the island!

One standout stop on our road trip was Mdina, a medieval hilltop town that evokes the 15th century. First settled by the Phoenicians around 700 BC—nearly 3,000 years ago!—this walled former capital of Malta has been on UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list since 1998.

Strolling the narrow streets past medieval churches, palaces, and well-preserved limestone buildings feels like stepping back in time. Perched on a central hilltop, the fortified walls offer panoramic island views, allowing ancient defenders to spot approaching enemies by sea from afar.

Today, only limited delivery vehicles enter the walls; the absence of cars and mopeds, combined with horse-drawn carriages ferrying tourists, enhances the timeless atmosphere. Mdina's grand gates and moat-spanning bridges rank among Europe's most striking entrances to intact walled cities. Fans of *Game of Thrones* may recognize it as King's Landing from Season 1.

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