Luxembourg is looking for urban farmers
A new pilot project in the capital will try out multi-faceted farming in a built-up setting as a source of food and environmental awareness
Discover the secrets of the first fortified city of Malta and its most important Medieval town
Mdina is one of the most attractive places for tourists in Malta. If you haven’t visited it already, you definitely should. A couple of bus stops away from Valletta, it offers a completely unique experience to visitors. What is more, you can easily explore the entire city in just a few short hours and still have time to see more of the gorgeous country. Also, there are practically no cars inside the fortified area, due to the location's practical space limitations, which is probably how Mdina got its nickname - "The Silent City".
One of the iconic instagrammable places in Mdina
Erected on a hill in the Central region, the city has long been the main administrative centre and first fortified location of Malta. Over the centuries, the former capital has been occupied by the Phoenicians, the Carthaginians and the Romans. Its steady decline commenced in the aftermath of the fall of the Roman Empire and the subsequent change in strategic focus by the Order of St. John which placed an emphasis on Birgu and Valletta.
The Main gate of Mdina as it stands today
Mdina welcomes visitors through a majestic baroque main gate. A detailed map offers a better representation of what the city looks like today. Just beyond the gate, one can discover some of the main attractions as well as the first artisan souvenirs shops or even begin the tour with one of the waiting carriages. Typical gifts to take home with you include Mdina glass, or hand-maid silverware and jewellery.
To the right of the entrance are located the Dungeons, opposite to Vilhena Palace and Natural History Museum. A tourist office, as well as numerous information boards telling the story of the city over the centuries, are awaiting curious visitors with tailor-made tourist path suggestions.
Without a doubt, the most important place for the locals in each Maltese locality is the Cathedral. The baroque Metropolitan Cathedral of Malta, located on St Paul’s Square is the main church on the islands of Malta. It was built on top of the remains of a Norman cathedral which existed in Medieval times but was destroyed by an earthquake at the end of the 17th century. It is dedicated to the Conversion of St Paul, founder of Maltese church. There are thirteen chapels and five monuments to see, while the ceiling covered with frescoes and paintings depicting the life of St Paul is nothing less than spectacular.
Saint Paul Cathedral in Mdina
After visiting the Cathedral, the square or the 18th-century seminary, we would recommend you set aside some time and checking out nearby Palazzo Falson. It offers a spectacular view of the vicinity. At the time one can also take a seat and taste a delicious waffle with artisanal ice cream. It is also the perfect place for a selfie, near the beautifully decorated houses of the locals and their red, white or blue-coloured windows adorned with blossoming flowers.
But from our experience, the most spectacular about Mdina is its architecture and its narrow streets, which together create a unique romantic atmosphere. For those of you who simply love to stroll around and for those who prepare long bucket lists before visiting new places, Mdina is the ideal choice for a sunny and experience-intense journey.
Finally, if you are still thirsty for hidden gems after spending several sunny hours in the romantic Mdina and surrounding Rabat, we recommend taking a short bus trip to Dingli cliffs. Despite the brief uneven walk and the strong uphill wind, you will not regret the journey. If in the end, you manage to take a nice picture for your Instagram, you would have been luckier than us.
The subsidy will apply to single women, couples and families
The aim is to have a carbon impact of only 2.5 kg of CO2 per square metre per year
The government has set aside a 150-million-euro pot, which is supposed to replenish once the properties are resold
Search for health, search for well-being - in any sense and category of these terms
The Agri-Tech centre in Osnabrück has a lab, workshop and test field all rolled into one
These officials help seniors to push back the feelings of alienation in a world gone rapidly technological
It’s the latest European capital that wants to do something about the rampant and chaotic use of the two-wheelers in its public spaces
Regional authorities have identified 260 roadside areas suitable for solar farms; so they are looking for partners
The aim is to have a carbon impact of only 2.5 kg of CO2 per square metre per year
The subsidy will apply to single women, couples and families
It makes perfect sense, given the vibrant café and fashion cultures in that country
Search for health, search for well-being - in any sense and category of these terms
The new itineraries are part of the DiscoverEU programme, which lets 18-year-olds travel by train between important European sites
The European Commission has published its first progress report charting the achievements of the socio-cultural movement that combines beauty, inclusion and sustainability
The 2023 edition of the creative initiative promises to be bigger, bolder and more inclusive
Veni Markovski’s take on dealing with disinformation in the European Union's poorest country – Bulgaria
A conversation with the mayor of Utrecht on the occasion of her mission to COP27
A conversation with the President of the European Committee of the Regions, about energy, climate change and the underrated importance of cohesion policy