Imagine that you are walking on the narrow stone paths of an ancient city. There are tall buildings with yellow walls all around, but there is neither the sound of vehicle horns, nor the noise of loudspeakers, nor any noise of traffic. Even people walking on foot are talking to each other in very low voices.
This may sound like a scene from a fictional movie, but it is not a fantasy but a reality. Mdina, located in the European country Malta, is one such city, which the world knows as ‘The Silent City’. The silence on the streets here seems no less than a mystery.
Mdina used to be the old capital of Malta. The history of this city is about 4,000 years old. It was first settled by the Phoenicians around 800 BC. Later the Romans ruled it. During Arab rule it got the name ‘Medina’, which means besieged city in Arabic.
But then what happened that such an important city suddenly became quiet?
When the Knights of the Order of St John took control of Malta in the 1530s, they moved their capital to the seaside city of Valletta for administrative and strategic reasons. As soon as the capital was changed, the political and commercial importance of Medina started declining. Most of the traders, government officials and rich people left the city and settled in the new centre. Within no time this bustling city became almost empty and a deep silence spread here. From this period onwards it came to be known as ‘The Silent City’.
Then came the era of strict rules. After the city was evacuated, Medina created its new identity and made peace its biggest strength. Today the population of Medina is very less. Hardly 250 to 300 citizens live here permanently. This city implemented very strict rules to maintain its historical heritage and peace.
Entry of outsiders and tourist vehicles inside the city is completely prohibited. Only a limited number of vehicles can enter the city, which have a special resident permit, or emergency services like ambulance, fire brigade. Even local residents driving in the city cannot use the horn at all. Playing loud music at night or organizing noisy events till late night is completely prohibited within the city.
Tourists coming here are given a message at the entrance itself that they should respect the peace here and not talk loudly.
The unique architecture here also has a big role to play in the silence of Medina. The streets of the city were made very narrow and winding to make it easier for archers to defend themselves during enemy attacks during the medieval period. These narrow streets not only prevent the strong flow of air, but also prevent the noise of the outside world from coming inside.
As soon as you step into Medina, it seems as if time has stopped. The castles built in Norman and Baroque style, St. Paul’s Cathedral and buildings made of limestone shine golden in the sunlight.
This city is a favorite destination of Hollywood and TV series. Due to its mysterious silence and medieval beauty, Mdina has always been a favorite destination for filmmakers. Many of the opening scenes of ‘King’s Landing’ in the first season of the famous fantasy series ‘Game of Thrones’ were shot in the historic main gate and streets of Medina. Apart from this, historical scenes of this city have been depicted in many Hollywood films.
Today Mdina is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Malta. Some tourists come here during the day to admire the history and architecture, but as the sun sets and the tourists return, Mdina returns to its original glory. At night, the streets glowing with dim yellow lights and the silence all around takes everyone who comes here into a unique, peaceful and magical world.
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