Mdina

Mdina, the ancient fortified hilltop city of Malta, was the island's capital when the Normans conquered it in 1091 under Count Roger I. The Norman period left lasting traces in the city's architecture, including the Palazz ta' Santa Sofia — one of the oldest surviving buildings in Mdina, with parts dating to the Norman era — and Palazzo Falson, a fortified townhouse preserving strong medieval and Norman-influenced features. The Normans also reduced the city's footprint by cutting it off from the suburb of Rabat with a new ditch.

Why it mattered

• Capital of Malta under Norman rule
• Palazz ta' Santa Sofia preserves Norman-era fabric
• Palazzo Falson retains medieval Norman-influenced features

Architecture and the site

• Fortified hilltop city with narrow streets
• Palazz ta' Santa Sofia (partly Norman-period)
• Palazzo Falson (medieval fortified townhouse)

Chronology (selected)

• 1091: Count Roger I conquers Malta and takes Mdina
• 1194: Norman rule ends with the Hohenstaufen succession

Hub essays

• Region context: norman sicily kingdom and the shared bibliography.
• Castles and fortification: Norman castles — motte to stone.

On the map

Use Open on map to fly to this pin in the Norman expansion era. Layers are teaching overlays — pair them with charters, excavation reports, and the works above.