Mdina, Città Vecchia, or Città Notabile, is the old capital of Malta Mdina is a medieval walled town situated on a hill in the centre of the island. Mdina owes its present architecture to the Arab period, from 870 until the Normans conquered Malta in 1091. They surrounded the city with thick defensive fortifications and a wide moat, separating it from its nearest town Rabat. Most of Mdina's palaces serve as private homes. The impressive Cathedral of the Conversion of St Paul is fronted by a large square. Only a limited number of resident and emergency vehicles, wedding cars and hearses are allowed within Mdina Beautiful five bedroom palazzo in Mdina.