St. Paul’s Cathedral, Mdina: A Baroque Masterpiece in Malta’s Silent City ⛪✨

#springitinerary **Why You MUST Visit:** St. Paul’s Cathedral is the **spiritual and architectural heart of Mdina**, Malta’s ancient capital. This stunning **Baroque cathedral**, built after the 1693 earthquake, boasts **golden frescoes, marble floors, and a rich history** tied to St. Paul’s shipwreck in Malta. A must for art, history, and photography lovers! --- ## **📅 Perfect Visit Itinerary** ### **🌅 Morning: Cathedral & Mdina Exploration** **🕘 9:00 AM – Arrive Early** (Beat the crowds & heat!) - Admire the **grand façade** with its twin bell towers. - Step inside to see **Mattia Preti’s frescoes** (a Baroque masterpiece). **🕙 10:00 AM – Cathedral Highlights** ✔ **The Dome** – Look up at the **illusionistic paintings**. ✔ **Marble Tombstones** – Colorful memorials of knights and nobles. ✔ **Sacristy & Museum** – Sacred art, silverware, and a **Dürer woodcut**. **🕚 11:00 AM – Climb the Bell Tower** (If open) - **Panoramic views** of Malta from Mdina’s highest point. --- ### **☕ Midday: Coffee & Medieval Streets** **🕛 12:00 PM – Café Break at Fontanella** - Try their famous **chocolate cake** with views of half of Malta! **🚶♂️ 12:30 PM – Walk Mdina’s Silent Streets** - Spot **filming locations** from *Game of Thrones* (Mdina = King’s Landing!). - Visit the **Mdina Dungeons** for dark medieval history. --- ### **🌇 Evening: Sunset & Wine** **🕠 5:30 PM – Sunset at Mdina Bastions** - The **best golden-hour photos** of the cathedral’s glowing stone. **🍷 7:00 PM – Dinner at de Mondion** - **Michelin-starred** rooftop dining with cathedral views. --- ## **💡 Insider Tips** ✔ **Dress Code:** Covered shoulders/knees (shawls provided). ✔ **Best Photo Spot:** From **Vilhena Palace courtyard**. ✔ **Avoid Sundays:** Mass times limit access. ✔ **Combo Ticket:** €10 (includes Cathedral Museum). --- ## **🚌 Getting There** - **From Valletta:** Bus 51, 52, or 53 (30 mins). - **By Car:** Park outside Mdina’s gates (no cars allowed inside). --- ### **⛪ Why You’ll Love It:** This cathedral is **Baroque drama at its finest**—gold, light, and centuries of history. Paired with Mdina’s fairy-tale alleys, it’s a day straight from a medieval dream.