Mdina, known as the “Silent City,” is a jewel of Malta and offers a unique blend of rich history and pop culture fame as an iconic set for many films. This ancient walled city, and UNESCO treasure, is not only a must-visit for history enthusiasts but also for fans of Game of Thrones, as it served as one of the key filming locations for King's Landing in the show's first season.
While there are not specific tours running that focus on Game of Thrones, you can easily create your own walking tour and enjoy all Mdina has to offer. In this guide, we’ll explore Mdina’s history, how to visit its most iconic Game of Thrones spots, nearby attractions, and a local secret of the best place to enjoy a traditional Maltese spritz with a view after your day of exploring.
A Brief History of Mdina Malta
The city was built high on a hill as the capital of Malta to keep watch over the surrounding area, making it an important strategic location for the country. In the 16th century, the Knights of St. John moved the capital to Valletta, but Mdina retained its importance as a religious and administrative center.
Mdina’s history stretches back over 4,000 years, long before it became famous as a Game of Thrones filming location. The city has served as Malta’s capital through various historical periods, from its early days under the Phoenicians and Romans to its medieval evolution under Arab and Norman rule. Its fortified walls, narrow streets, and mix of medieval and baroque architecture reflect its rich and diverse past.
Getting to Mdina Malta
Mdina is easily accessible from most parts of Malta, whether you’re staying in Valletta, Sliema, or other popular tourist areas. Malta is a very small country without a lot of interconnected road ways, and the ones they do have are single lane highways.
This can often result in traffic going from town to town. While Mdina may only be 10 miles from where you are staying it can take up to 40 minutes to arrive depending on the traffic, no matter the form of transportation you choose. As always, my recommendation is to go on a group tour that will pick you up from your hotel and drop you off at the end of the day.
By Bus: Buses frequently travel to Mdina from Valletta, with the journey taking around 30 minutes. If you’re staying in Sliema or St. Julian’s, the bus ride is slightly longer at about 40 minutes. Bus stops are easy to find and located throughout the country.
By Car: Renting a car is a convenient option if you want flexibility. The drive from Valletta takes around 20-25 minutes, and there’s parking available just outside Mdina’s city gates. It is not always easy for Americans to rent cars in Europe and can require high deposits for insurance, please make sure you do your research before booking a rental car online.
Tours: For fans looking to combine Game of Thrones locations with other sites in Malta, several local tour companies offer specialized tours that highlight the show’s filming spots. While they are not branded for Game of Thrones specifically, they will still mention it on tours as it is a selling feature that brings tourists to this small town.
Game of Thrones Filming Locations in Mdina
Mdina’s well-preserved medieval architecture made it the perfect backdrop for King’s Landing in Game of Thrones. If you are like me, this is pretty cool and you want to make sure you line up the show with the scenes in real life to enjoy it as much as possible.
The General Vibe of Mdina Gives "King's Landing": Find it Only in Season 1
Mdina’s beautiful Pjazza San Pawl, home to the stunning St. Paul’s Cathedral, was also featured in several shots throughout Season 1. The square and its surrounding architecture doubled as various corners of King’s Landing, providing a backdrop for many scenes involving the political intrigue of the Westerosi capital. Here you can find a few gift shops selling Game of Thrones merchandise.
No matter where you walk through out the cities walls, when you look up you see the main church building that marks the keep.
Below are the two main filming locations in Mdina and their significance in the show:
Main Gate of Mdina: Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 3 and 4
The Main Gate of Mdina is one of the most recognizable locations that appears in the first season of Game of Thrones, serving as the entrance to King’s Landing. Built in 1724, the Baroque-style gate, with its ornate carvings and towering structure, perfectly captured the grandeur and historical weight of the capital city of Westeros.
In Season 1, Episode 4, this gate is where Catelyn Stark and Ser Rodrik Cassel first arrive in King’s Landing to confront Ned Stark after Bran’s fall. It also appears in Season 1, Episode 3, during the arrival of King Robert Baratheon and his entourage, emphasizing its importance as a key entrance to the fictional city.
The gate’s distinctive features and historical ambiance made it an ideal stand-in for the bustling, politically charged environment of King’s Landing.
Mesquita Square: Game of Thrones Season 1, Episode 4 and 5
Mesquita Square, located just a short walk from the Main Gate, is prominently featured in two key episodes of Game of Thrones Season 1. In Episode 5, this square serves as the dramatic backdrop where Jaime Lannister and his men confront Ned Stark, culminating in a pivotal sword fight that shifts the power dynamics between the characters. In Episode 4, the square also appears as the entrance to Petyr Baelish's brothel, where key political and personal intrigues unfold.
Historically, Mesquita Square, like much of Mdina, reflects the ancient city's blend of medieval and Baroque architecture, a result of centuries of Maltese history. The square itself has been a central meeting point for locals for generations, nestled within the fortified city known as "The Silent City" for its calm, quiet streets. Its cobblestone pathways and historic buildings, once home to noble families, have remained largely unchanged for centuries, contributing to the square's timeless atmosphere.
Today, while surrounded by peaceful cafes and shops, the square’s history and striking architecture make it an ideal filming location, instantly recognizable to fans of Game of Thrones. This is a great place to grab lunch and take in the vibes.
Nearby Attractions in Malta from Mdina
Mdina and Malta has much more to offer than just these few significant filming locations. Beyond Game of Thrones locations, Mdina and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of attractions that make for a full day of exploration.
Many group tours visit all of these destinations in a short day trip. Malta is a very small country and is easy to explore at a fast pace. Mdina is too small to plan an entire day there.
Here are a few nearby recommendations from Mdina:
Rabat Just outside the walls of Mdina lies Rabat, another town rich in history. Rabat is home to St. Paul’s Catacombs (pictured above), an extensive underground burial site dating back to Roman times. These catacombs provide an intriguing glimpse into Malta’s early Christian heritage.
Dingli Cliffs A short drive from Mdina, the Dingli Cliffs are one of Malta’s most scenic natural wonders. These towering cliffs offer stunning views of the sea and countryside, making them a great spot for a sunset walk or simply to enjoy the landscape. There is a beautiful church overlooking the cliffs (pictured above) that draws large crowds.
Ta’ Qali Crafts Village For those interested in Maltese craftsmanship, the Ta’ Qali Crafts Village is just 10 minutes away by car and included in nearly every tour. Here, you can watch artisans create traditional Maltese glass, pottery, and silverware, and purchase unique souvenirs (pictured above).
The Best Place to Get a Maltese Spritz with a View
After you have spent the day exploring in Malta you will need to find a great place to enjoy a Maltese spritz and relax.
A Maltese spritz is a local variation of the classic Italian Aperol Spritz, commonly enjoyed in Malta, especially during warm weather. While the ingredients can vary, a typical Maltese spritz includes:
Kinnie - a Maltese bittersweet carbonated soft drink (for a more bitter flavor)
Prosecco (or another sparkling wine)
Soda water
Fresh citrus (like oranges or lemons)
The drink is served over ice and is often garnished with an orange slice. The Maltese twist may come in the form of using local ingredients or variations, such as adding Maltese citrus fruits, herbs like mint, or even using local sparkling wines instead of Italian Prosecco.
This refreshing cocktail is perfect for relaxing in the sun with a view of Malta's beautiful landscapes or seaside, and I know just the spot in Mdina. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a refreshing Maltese spritz while soaking in the beauty of the surroundings. Don’t forget to try their famous cakes, which are just as memorable as the view!
After a day of sightseeing and exploring Game of Thrones locations, relax and take in the stunning views from the stunning Fontanella Tea Garden. This iconic café, located within Mdina’s city walls, is known for its spectacular panoramic views of Malta’s countryside. This is the perfect place to try a Maltese Spritz and unwind from a long day.
Plan Your Game of Thrones Tour in Malta Now
Mdina offers visitors a rare combination of historical intrigue and modern pop culture appeal. Whether you're walking in the footsteps of Catelyn Stark through the Main Gate or relaxing with a spritz at Fontanella, this city has something for every traveler.
Take the time to immerse yourself in both the history of the Silent City and the cinematic world of Game of Thrones for a truly unique experience in Malta.
Have questions about Malta? Feel free to reach out.
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