Location
- Rabat And Mdina
- Connectivity
- Things To Do
- Malta
RABAT & MDINA
AN ENCHANTING POCKET OF MALTA.
Malta’s old capital - UNESCO World Heritage City of Mdina is overflowing with centuries’ worth of tales to discover whilst the quaint town of Rabat retains the charm of Maltese tradition, surrounded by the island’s scenic northwestern region.
Rabat and Mdina Iconic Landmarks.
The quaint old town of Rabat remains popular with legions of day-trippers eager to sample its cornucopia of folksy cafés, fine dining restaurants, and traditional markets selling traditional produce throughout the village core. Make this unique neighborhood your own.
Connectivity
The best of Malta and Gozo is always within reach.
Rabat’s piazza
Outside Rabat’s parish church lies a cornucopia of market stalls, cafés, bakeries, confectioneries, and the everyday charms of traditional village life in Malta.
Mdina
A leisurely stroll will lead you to the Silent City, where a treasure box of Baroque palaces, grand townhouses, rococo chapels, historic museums, and many other fascinating curiosities await.
Ta' Qali National Park
Ta' Qali National Park is a very popular park situated in the centre of Malta. Close by, you will also find the National Stadium, Malta’s Crafts Village, and the Malta Aviation Museum. Today, the park has become a popular spot for picnics.
The Salt Rock
The Salt Rock "Blata tal-Melħ" is a natural beauty with a human touch. The winding cliffs meet the sea through hand-carved stairways, curiously shaped boulders dot the paths, and steps on the rocks help visitors reach higher land.
Chadwick Lakes
Located between Rabat and Mtarfa, Chadwick lakes provide a beautiful backdrop for picnics and hikes. The water flows downstream towards the Mosta valley, creating the illusion of a lake with streams, particularly after heavy winter rains.
Buskett Gardens
The gardens boast a diverse array of flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. With its winding paths, charming picnic spots, and stunning viewpoints, Buskett Gardens is an ideal destination for leisurely strolls, family outings, and serene moments of relaxation.
Things to Do
Places & People of Cultural Interest.
From folksy cafés and lively markets to captivating museums, vibrant festas, and more, this neighbourhood offers plenty to do all year round.
TRAILS & TREKS
05
BLATA TAL-MELĦ
Rabat offers both popular countryside destinations and remote, lesser-known stops, perfect for experienced hikers seeking moderately challenging routes that promise pristine agricultural landscapes and solitude. Past the little village of Baħrija, a challenging path through uneven ground leads to il-Blata tal-Melħ, an isolated salt pan area accessible only by foot, characterised by surreal salt formations carved into the resilient Lower Coralline Limestone of the island. The exclusive access point to the sea along this coastline is a curious hand-carved stairway that cuts through the cliff's edge, believed to have been constructed for salt merchants to transport their heavy salt sacks to waiting boats below.
BUSKETT GARDENS
Buskett Gardens, Malta’s only woodland nestled in the valley of Wied Il-Luq, south of Rabat, was initially established by the Knights of Malta to compensate for the lack of greenery, serving primarily as a hunting ground. Today, Buskett Gardens with its varied trees and plants including spruce, pine, and olive trees, attracts picnic-goers and winter walkers. It is easily accessible by foot or bicycle along a relatively straightforward stretch of road, in just around an hour, or a short 10-minute drive, offering peaceful pathways shaded by lush foliage for a serene and leisurely stroll in tranquil surroundings.
DINGLI CLIFFS
Dingli Cliffs offer a breathtaking 250m elevation overlooking the Mediterranean and Fifla islet, making it a popular destination for a leisurely stroll along a safe path at a distance from the cliff edge. The white cliffs drop dramatically into the sea in some areas, while in others, steep slopes lead to farmland tended by local families. The manmade quaint chapel dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene, with its single doorway and small oculus window, provides a picturesque photo opportunity, especially at sunset. The southbound coastal pathway leads to the megalithic temples of Ħaġar Qim and Mnajdra in Qrendi.
IL-MAJJISTRAL
The coastal trail from Rabat to Anchor Bay, Golden Bay, and ix-Xagħra l-Ħamra is undeniably one of the island's most breathtaking routes. The Majjistral Nature and History Park, - “Majjistral” meaning northwest, is renowned for its many natural and cultural features. It encompasses various fascinating elements such as ancient tombs, cart ruts, beehives, natural caves, corbelled stone huts, and remnants of Malta's military history. The Majjistral Nature and History Park, known for its stunning coastal cliffs overlooking Malta's beautiful beaches and bays, is a favourite destination for bird enthusiasts, boasting a diverse array of avian species such as the blue rock thrush, hoopoe, honey buzzard, and more.
Churches & Chapels
05
The Chapel of the penitent Magdalene
Along the zuntier (passageway) adjacent to the Basilica of St. Paul lies a curious crypt-like monument. This hand-hewn cave chapel features walls adorned with a cement mixture of ground pottery and lime, possibly for fresco paintings. Believed to have been an ossuary, the cave was later converted into a Catholic sanctuary dedicated to St. Mary Magdalene in 1647, where a great quantity of bones were discovered.
The chapel of St Bartholomew
The Chapel of St. Bartholomew, built in 1440, is the only remaining mediaeval chapel in Rabat. Its mediaeval characteristics are evident in the pointed arc above the main entrance and the supporting pointed arches of the ceiling. Having served as a conspiratorial meeting place during the French occupation of Malta in 1798 and later as a schoolroom during WWII, the chapel has been recently restored and reopened for religious purposes.
The Carmelite Church
The Carmelite church is one of the most breathtaking examples of Baroque design in Mata. Every inch of this bijou 17th-century church is adorned with sculptures and paintings, including notable works by artists such as Mattia Preti. Its interior features a remarkable fresco of the Virgin Mary on the oval dome. Following the earthquake in 1693, it served as the parish church until St. Paul’s Cathedral was rebuilt.
The Basilica Of St Paul
The Rabat parish church holds a great significance in the community, hosting numerous holy celebrations throughout the year. Architect Lorenzo Gafà completed the present-day basilica in 1683, incorporating the foundations of previous churches. The basilica, notably, stands above the Grotto of St. Paul where the apostle is believed to have resided and preached during his stay in Malta in 60 A.D.
Feasts
05
CORPUS CHRISTI
Corpus Christi holds great significance in Rabat, as it commemorates St. Paul's introduction of the Holy Eucharist to pagan Malta during his stay in Rabat's grottoes. The feast day features two solemn processions: one dedicated to First Communion children in the morning, and another in the evening involving religious and local organisations. The church door is adorned with flowers, and vibrant fireworks illuminate the night sky, creating a joyous atmosphere.
FEAST OF ST JOSEPH
San Ġużepp in Rabat, one of the town’s principal feasts, has been celebrated since the 10th-century AD, making it one of the earliest traditional festas and continues to be enthusiastically celebrated among the town’s native Rabtin. The adorned Franciscan church of Santa Marija ta' Ġesù, with its rich red damask, attracts visitors during the feast as the procession, accompanied by the L’Isle Adam brass band, parades through Rabat’s streets. Two Maltese snacks, żeppoli and sfineġ, are prepared exclusively for St. Joseph’s feast.
FEAST OF ST PAUL
The Feast of St. Paul, celebrated in Rabat on the first Sunday after L-Imnarja, is the town’s other major parish feast. St. Joseph’s feast is linked to the L’Isle Adam band club, while St Paul’s feast is celebrated by the Count Roger band club, both commanding loyal followings. For over a century, the rivalry between the band clubs has fueled fierce competition, although it has softened in recent decades. Still, supporters of each feast strive to outshine one another with decorations, processions, and fireworks extravaganzas.
L-IMNARJA
L-Imnarja, one of Malta and Gozo oldest feasts, honours the two great pillars of the Church, St. Peter and St. Paul. Its roots trace back to the Roman pagan festival of Luminaria, which marked the end of the harvest season. During the two-day celebration, locals gather at Buskett Gardens for lively folkloric activities like Maltese folk singing and savouring traditional rabbit stews. Horse and donkey races take place in the afternoon, with participants competing for the prestigious palju banner.
Historical Figures
04
COSMANA NAVARRA
Cosmana Navarra, a prominent noblewoman in Rabat during the 1600s, dedicated her life to patronizing the arts. She funded the construction of the Basilica of St. Paul, overseen by architect Lorenzo Gafà. A bronze death mask of her face is displayed in the nearby Wignacourt Museum, honoring her legacy.
GRAND MASTER DE VERDALE
The Verdala Palace within the heart of Buskett is named after Hugues Loubenx de Verdalle, the 51st Grand Master of the Order of the St John. Inspired by Rome's cardinal residences, the Grand Master built a similar-style residence in Malta's woodland. Originally the lodge was used for game hunting before it expanded into a fully-fledged palance and underwent further enhancement in the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, it remains the summer residence of the President of Malta and occasionally opens its ground to the public.
GRAND MASTER DE VILHENA
António Manoel de Vilhena, the 66th Grand Master of the Order of St John in 1722, is fondly remembered as a benevolent ruler who, unlike many Grand Masters, was extremely popular with the Maltese people. He played a significant role in the transformation of Mdina into the magnificent Baroque city it is today, after the devastating 1693 earthquake. Vilhena ordered the renovation of Mdina, leading to the construction of iconic structures like the Mdina Gate, Torre dello Standardo, Palazzo Vilhena, Banca Giuratale, and Corte Capitanale.
PAUL THE APOSTLE
Paul the Apostle is deeply woven into the culture of Rabat and Mdina. Churches, feasts, and statues dedicated to him commemorate his presence in Malta after his shipwreck and miraculous survival from a snake bite, seen as a testament to his holiness.
MERCHANTS & TRADERS
05
A FARRUGIA GILDER
Farrugia Gilders, a long-standing torchbearer for the dying craft of gilding in Malta, specialises in restoring church relics, statues, and traditional Maltese clocks. With four generations of expertise and trade secrets, this father-and-son operation on the main street towards Mdina Cathedral attracts clients from across the island. Today, many clergy and religious orders continue to seek out their services to restore their centuries-old religious relics and artefacts to their original gleam and splendour.
CASINO NOTABILE
Located at the foot of Saqqajja Hill in Rabat, the historic Casino Notabile was constructed in 1887 as an exclusive gathering place for the elite of Mdina and Rabat. Designed by British architect Webster Paulson, who was also behind Valletta’s Royal Theatre, the building reflects the elegance of the Belle Époque era in Paris. After extensive restoration in 2016, the Casino Notabile transformed into a cultural centre and exhibition space, hosting regular art exhibitions by leading local artists selling their works.
IS-SERKIN
Just around the corner from Domvs Romana lies Is-Serkin, a humble bar beloved for serving the best pastizzi on the island. Also known as Crystal Palace bar, it attracts both locals and tourists who eagerly line up outside for these affordable and delightful Maltese pastry pockets filled with creamy ricotta or mushy peas. Open 24/7, Is-Serkin welcomes a diverse clientele, including early-morning fishermen, farmers, and hunters, afternoon gatherings of local pensioners and tourists, and late-night revellers seeking a midnight snack.
PARRUĊĊAN
Parruċċan Confectionary, one of the island’s finest and most popular bakeries, is located in Rabat’s piazza outside the parish church, easily recognisable by its distinctive shop sign brandishing two Maltese crosses. You’ll find a wide variety of traditional biscuits and bakes, including qagħaq tal-għasel (honey rings), imqaret (date-filled pastries), ottijiet (8-shaped sesame seed biscuits) and other freshly baked delights spices with a blend of flavoursome ingredients, ranging from orange zest and nutmeg to fennel.
MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES
05
CASA BERNARD
A hidden gem for antiquaries, Casa Bernard in Rabat is a historically significant 16th-century Maltese palazzino. Two retired teachers, who currently reside there, have meticulously restored the townhouse to its original splendour. Visitors can marvel at the grandeur of a noble Maltese townhouse during guided tours by appointment. The townhouse showcases a wealth of authentic antiques, art pieces, and priceless ornaments throughout its barrel-vaulted hall, grand piano nobile drawing room and other rooms.
DOMVS ROMANA
The Domvs Romana, which lies outside of Rabat’s village core, is without doubt the largest and most significant remnant of Roman life on the island. Its accidental discovery in 1881 led to remarkable excavations and archeologists uncovered several well-preserved Roman artefacts. In recognition of its historical significance, a public museum was constructed around the former Roman villa, showcasing intricate mosaics, statues, terracotta ornaments, and other archaeological treasures dating back to the 1st-century BC.
PALAZZO FALSON
Considered the second oldest building in Mdina, Palazzo Falson dates back to around 1945 and incorporates elements from the 13th-century. Acquired by Olof Frederick Gollcher in the 20th-century, this mediaeval townhouse now serves as a historic house museum filled with an impressive assortment of exquisite and rare objets d’art. Today, visitors can admire around 45 collections of antiquities including jewellery, rare books and numerous other priceless artefacts.
PALAZZO VILHENA
Completed in 1728, the splendid Vilhena Palace is located behind Mdina’s moated gate, showcasing exquisite French Baroque architecture. Its u-shaped forecourt, featuring balconied loggias, once served as a theatre where performances were put on for Vilhena’s pleasure. Over time, the palace functioned as a hospital during the cholera outbreak and a sanatorium for the British military. Today, it houses the Museum of Natural History, exhibiting a remarkable collection of geological and paleontological wonders.
ODDITIES & CURIOSITIES
04
GĦAJN ĦAMMIEM
Located on the outskirts of Mdina, Għajn Ħammiem is a 17-century Arab washhouse that has served the populations of Rabat and Mdina for centuries, with many locals still associating its name with the Fountain of the Pigeons - the word “ħammiema” meaning “pigeon” in Maltese. The washhouse façade, featuring three arches, once embellished with coats of arms that were deface during the French occupation, still retains remnants of its origins in red and yellow paintwork. Studies have shown that the washhouse had connections to Rabat's aqueduct systems and the Saqqajja Fountain.
THE BINĠEMMA NECROPOLIS
In the verdant valleys of Binġemma, near Rabat, lies the enigmatic Binġemma Necropolis, an ancient cemetery which lies close to the British Victoria Lines dating back to the Bronze Age and Punico-Roman eras. The cemetery is entirely hand cut within the rock side, features burial tombs, chambers, narrow passageways, and cramped steps, where nearby dwellers would bury their loved ones to rest, potentially including animals due to the small size of some crypts. These man made caves may have served as shelters during WWII bombings.
THE FOUNDLING WHEEL
Mid-way down Hospital Street in Rabat stands La Ruota or the Foundling Wheel, a small window concealed by a wooden barrel in the former Santo Spirito hospital. Until the 16th century, frightened mothers would secretly place their unwanted or illegitimate newborns inside this revolving wooden cod at night, ringing a bell to alert the hospital caretakers before hastily departing. The abandoned babies, called "thrown away creatures" or "creature gettate," were raised at the hospital. Boys apprenticed with artisans, while girls learned useful handicrafts. Today, the old hospital building houses the national archives.
THE JESUS TREE
On the central road to Rabat stands a tree with a striking resemblance to Jesus on the cross, believed to have been transformed by a lightning strike into this iconic Christian symbol. The tree quickly became a revered symbol of a miraculous apparition and drew devoted Catholics who made pilgrimages to pray, offer flowers, and leave lit candles at the foot of the cross. Following a heavy storm in 2008, the tree was uprooted but later replanted with a concrete base further along the road,continuing to captivate both the devout and curious travellers.
TRADITIONAL PECULARITIES
05
IL-ĦABBATA
The Maltese door knocker, locally known as il-ħabbata, is a distinct feature of traditional Maltese townhouses. Back when door knockers came into fashion on the island, they were considered quite the status symbol. Noble families would adorn their doors with highly elaborate and ornate door knocker designs to show off their prosperity and power. Most traditional door knockers are fashioned after animals and fantastical creatures, with dolphins, fish, lions and angels among the most common styles still to be found embellishing many doors in Rabat and Mdina.
IL-MUXRABIJA
Believed to be a distant cousin to the gallarija, the muxrabija is a small but ornate timber or stone screen, perforated with an intricate series of holes as seen on traditional townhouses in Rabat. It served two main functions: acted as a peep-box for villagers to identify visitors while remaining undetected and also acted as a natural air conditioner, allowing airflow within their homes. Evidence suggests that Maltese families would place jars of water in the muxrabija to keep water cool during the summer months.
THE MALTESE GALLARIJA
These enclosed wooden balconies, adorned with vibrant colours have become a Maltese signature, seen on countless postcards, paintings, and souvenirs, yet their origins remain shrouded in mystery. The gallarija is believed to have gained popularity in the late 18th century with the spread of Baroque sensibilities across the island. Many households would place a stool in the balcony for better spying on neighbours, and though their popularity has fluctuated over time, beautiful examples of the traditional Maltese gallarija can still be seen throughout Rabat and Mdina.
TWIEQI IMŻEJNIN
As the feast approaches, Rabat's local families show their fervent devotion by decorating their homes with vibrant colours and festive decorations, while embracing the cherished tradition of adorning front windows, called twieqi mżejnin. In Rabat, elaborate displays serve as makeshift religious sanctuaries, featuring sacred statues adorned with floral wreaths or candles, with statues of St. Joseph or St. Paul, the main patron saints, commonly taking centre stage. On special occasions like Easter and Christmas, families may change their displays to show the crucifixion or nativity scene.
Malta
Experience the Best of Malta.
Malta is a beautiful Mediterranean island that offers a rich history, culture, and natural landscapes. With its pristine beaches, scenic countryside, and a wide range of activities to enjoy, each day brings something new and exciting to discover.
Interested in Verdala?
