Mdina was founded by the Phoenicians in the 8th century and adopted it's present name during the latter part of the Byzantine occupation of Malta. It was built in the "Wall and Ditch" style and occupies an ideal defensive position on a high plateau providing excellent warning of imminent attack.

Serving as the island's capital until the arrival of the Knights of St John in the Medieval period. The walled city is today contiguous with the more modern town of Rabat and is now a protected (UNESCO World Heritage site) treasure, and major tourist draw. When the visitors have all left, it becomes easy to see why the city carries the name of "The Silent City".

Despite it's antiquity and the limitations of living in a World Heritage site, Mdina is still home to a select group of private residents.

Walking around the city it becomes apparent that there are very few straight alleys. It is said that the length of the straight lines is deliberately no further than the distance an arrow can be fired. Additionally bridges linking adjacent properties provide means of communication without venturing into the streets.

In the present day Mdina was the filming location for the city of "Kings Landing" in the TV adaptation of George R R Martin's "Game of Thrones", more specifically, Mesquita Square is the location for Littlefinger's brothel, in real life now a private home.