Mdina Hike 4/11/2025

Dennis and I started our hike inside the walls of Mdina (yes, that is spelled correctly)

Dennis is already in trouble.

We walked down some country roads, getting used to following just the downloaded map. There were no trail markers. I miss trail markers. We got turned around several times but still ended up where we were supposed to be - Chadwick Lakes.

We lunched on a bench overlooking the lake. Our lunch was some cheese, olives, and almost the entirety of last night's dinner. My dinner, not clean his plate, Dennis. I split my fabulous focaccia bread and toppings with him.

The perfect photo of "bloom where you are planted."

The small village where the Swiss Embassy flies its well-known flag.

Looking back up to Mdina's walls.

Such a magnificent tree.

Our hike was relatively short, about six miles. When we arrived back in Mdina, I set out to tour the village and sightsee. Dennis wanted some coffee and to relax. Between racing around, exploring Mdina, and walking around the area of our B&B, I clocked in at 19 miles.

This is the Metropolitan Cathedral of Saint Paul, which was founded in the 12th century, and according to tradition, it stands on the site where Roman governor Publius met St. Paul following his shipwreck on Malta. The church was destroyed in 1693 by a massive earthquake and rebuilt as it is today. It is the mother church of all the Catholic churches in Mdina.

A ticket included a self-guided tour of the museum. This bell was cast in 1370 and is the oldest in Malta. Although you can not see it in the photo, there is an effigy of St. Paul holding the Sword of Victory upwards.

The building that houses the museum is beautiful.

As I was walking around the museum, this man farted out loud. The look on his wife's face was priceless. I don't think he meant to, and to add insult to injury, it was a stinker.  I got the giggles and had to scurry back to the previous room so he would not be in more trouble. 

After I left the museum, I headed to the Cathedral and said my prayers in one of the most gorgeous churches I have ever seen.

The central nave with its large botafumeiro. Each nave had a smaller hanging botafumeiro, and the church smelled heavily of smoke. The tradition of burning incense in the Roman Catholic Church is a rich tapestry woven through the centuries. The aromatic smoke not only purifies the altar but also signifies the prayers of the faithful ascending heavenwards. I have often heard that it was started because early churchgoers smelled to high heaven. Pun intended.

There were several stunning stained glass windows.

The organ pipes.

I love Cathedrals and am always awed by the artistry of days gone by.

This was the site of a prior Jewish temple and the Jewish Silk Market.

The entire village was made up of these incredibly narrow streets.

Many people took carriage rides through the maze of streets, and all the horses looked well cared for.

Mdina had lots of pretty flowers, which added to its charm.

Dennis and I dined at Cruor.  

Another winning meal.

The restaurant featured Macedonia in the weekly special.

So, we each ordered Macedonian wine from this winery. Dennis had red, and I had white. We are a mixed marriage. 

Our amuse-bouche was these little mushroom pate tarts. It is starting out well. They were so tasty.

House-made bread is freshly baked in a wood-fired oven. And those little pigtail things were crackers, also baked in the same oven. The bread was indescribably mouthwatering, both in smell and in taste.

We started with a Shopska salata - Pindju- described as a "Macedonian salad & grated soft cheese - red pepper relish. The bowl in the center was the relish. Dennis ate the homemade pita bread with his salad, and I returned for more of the original bread. OMG - it was all so good.

Dennis had Moussaka, which was incredible. I forgot to take a photo of his meal. I ordered the Tavce Gravce, which is described as slow-cooked beans and sausage stew. Anyone who has followed my blogs know that I love me some beans. It did not disappoint. I was expecting those large Greek beans, but these beans were small. It was flavored with tomatoes, herbs, and sausage, similar to brats. I was already full, but Dennis helped me out so this outstanding chef would not be offended. We definitely hit a home run with this dinner. We were too stuffed for dessert, but the chef sent us two glasses of liquor similar to Amaretto.  

We waddled back to the B & B for a good night's sleep.