Retire Early Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler

In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this financially independent lifestyle, they invite you to take advantage of their wisdom and experience.

Mdina: Malta's Silent City

Billy and Akaisha Kaderli

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We journeyed to Mdina today, the historic walled city of Malta.

Arriving around 9 AM, we were fortunate to capture the morning’s soft shadows without the bustling crowds that typically swoop in upon the town around 11 AM.

Inhabited since prehistoric times, Mdina has played a pivotal role in Malta’s history. Once a home to the island’s nobility and clergy, it served as the capital of Malta until the Knights of St. John arrived in the 16th century. The subsequent shift of power to Valletta led to Mdina’s decline and earned it the signature name “Silent City.”

Today, Mdina’s limited population of 93 residents and car-free streets create a peaceful and serene atmosphere. The narrow, winding streets and absence of noise pollution contribute to its quiet charm.

Come take a look!

Map showing Mdina and its relationship to Rabat

This map shows you the ancient city of Mdina and the city of Rabat where we are staying in Malta.

Mdina is a captivating fortified city in Malta with a history dating back over 4,000 years. From antiquity to the medieval period Mdina served as Malta's capital and is still to this day enclosed within its ancient walls.

There is a beautiful blend of Baroque and medieval architecture, with narrow, winding streets, elegant palaces, and imposing churches.

The classic Karozzin

Horse-drawn carriages, known as "karozzin," are a charming and iconic mode of transportation in Mdina. They offer a unique and leisurely way to explore the city's narrow, winding streets and historic landmarks.

Drivers charge by the hour or partial hour, and will stop along the way if you want to enjoy an ice cream while clip-clopping through town.

Sign showing pricing for Karozzin

Here you see the prices listed. Thirty minutes can pass along quickly.

However, if you have your family with you or are sharing the price with another couple, it would be worth the extra fee you would incur.

The beautiful entrance to Mdina

The imposing gate with its ornate Baroque architecture is the main entrance to the city.

The bridge leading to the gate was once a drawbridge, and along with the high walls, it further enhanced the city's defensive capabilities.

The green area you see here used to be under water. It was another area that helped to thwart the enemies' advance.

Billy and Akaisha in front of the city entrance

We are standing on what used to be a drawbridge at the entrance to the city of Mdina.

Right above the archway is an engraved coat of arms with a shield, a crowned eagle and a lion on his hind legs.

Above the shield is a Maltese cross.

This coat of arms represents the Order of Saint John, also known as the Knights Hospitaller who ruled Malta from 1530 to 1798.

A gory pillory

A pillory was used as a form of public humiliation and punishment in Medieval times.

The victim's head and hands were locked into the wooden frame, leaving them exposed and unable to move.

These pillories were often placed in a public square, where passersby could taunt and insult the one being locked in.

Depending on the weather, the sufferer could be subjected to extreme heat, cold, rain, or even snow. In some cases, people would throw objects at the person or inflict other physical harm.

(Ugh. People can be so mean!)

The dungeons featured here in Mdina aren't the real deal, but rather a museum which takes you through the ages, from Roman times to the Knights of St. John, and even the French occupation.

The harsh realities of life in medieval prisons included torture chambers, execution rooms, and cells.

Palazzo Vilhena

Built in the 18th century this palace served as the residence of the Grand Masters of the Order of St. John.

Today, it houses the National Museum of Natural History.

The entrance to the museum is visible in the center.

On the cut stone flooring, there is a Maltese cross, a symbol deeply associated with the Knights who ruled Malta for centuries.

A typical narrow street in Mdina

This labyrinth style street with its golden-hued local limestone is a common feature of Mdina. These winding streets were designed as a defense feature, so that the invaders would be forcibly slowed down and could not charge the town.

Windows were high up off the street so that the occupants could be safe from raiding enemies and were able to shoot arrows from above, giving them another advantage.

Also, these high windows made it practically impossible for anyone to climb in to a residence.

Home or business?

This sign with the name "Bacchus" suggests that this building might be a restaurant or wine bar. Bacchus was the Roman god of wine, and was associated with both joy and madness.

Mdina is a car-free zone, so the streets are exclusively for pedestrians, adding to the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere.

See how narrow this little alleyway is?

View from the lookout, Mdina

We are up on a fortification wall, which allows us to see into the rolling hills, farmland, olive groves and vineyards of Malta.

There are also traditional farmhouses dotted throughout the landscape.

Shhhhh!

It's called the Silent City, so please! SHHHH!

The last census of Mdina showed approximately 93 residents which are a mix of locals and expats.

Many of these people are drawn here for the city's historic charm, peaceful atmosphere, and stunning architecture. Some of the residents may be descendants of families who have lived in Mdina for generations.

Madonna and child

All over Christian Europe there are statues of the Madonna and Child.

This one is most likely near the Cathedral of St. Paul in the town.

You will again notice the lovely honey-colored limestone which reflects the sun beautifully at any time of day.

Residence entrance

Of course there is no graffiti or trash in this exclusive city.

The outside is as clean as anyone's house interior.

These planters showcase the deep green against the light colored limestone very well.

Photo shoot, advertising a car

For a car-less city, it was ironic that this company was doing a photo shoot for a new car commercial.

As we stood and watched the shoot, Billy chatted with the head coordinator for a while.

I wonder what color this is?

Orange-y bronze? Carrot-copper? Chestnut? Pumpkin russet? Metallic squash?

A Karozzin with driver

This is a classic example of the karozzin, a traditional mode of transport in Malta.

This carriage has a sun shield with fringe on the edge, plus fabric to pull in case of strong sun, inclement weather or the desire for privacy.

 Karozzin have been used in Malta for centuries, dating back to the Knights of St. John. They were a popular mode of transport for both locals and tourists.

You can reach Mdina easily from Rabat. Hire a driver (taxi, Uber or BOLT) and have them take you right to the edge of town. There you will find the Karossin all lined up, if you would like to take this conventional ride through town.

If you would like the opportunity to see the city and take photos without tourists in them, go early in the morning.

If you would prefer to sit at a cafe, bar or restaurant, you will need to arrive later in the morning when these establishments open up. It will give you a different feel altogether when there are karozzin and people walking through this ancient town.

Retire Early Lifestyle appeals to a different kind of person – the person who prizes their independence, values their time, and who doesn’t want to mindlessly follow the crowd.

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