Evidence for settlement in Mdina goes back to over 4000 BCE. It was first fortified by the Phoenicians around 700 BC, probably because of its strategic location on one of the highest points on the island and as far from the sea as possible. When Malta came under control of the Roman Empire, the Roman Governor built his palace there. It was here in 60 CE that the Apostle St Paul is said to have lived after being shipwrecked on the Islands. The city earned its present day name from the Saracens who came to Malta around 870 CE. They surrounded the city with thick defensive walls and a wide moat, separating it from its nearest town, Rabat.

The Normans conquered Malta in 1091. A strong earthquake in 1693 destroyed a large number of buildings in Mdina. After the earthquake the Cathedral was rebuilt on the designs of the Maltese architect Lorenzo Gafa

Mosta

Mosta boasts the third largest unsupported dome in Europe [1] dedicated to the Assumption. The Feast of the Assumption is held on August 15 and it is a public holiday. The church is also known as the Rotunda of St Marija Assunta. On 9 April 1942, the church was nearly destroyed during World War 2. An Axis bomb pierced the dome of the church but failed to explode. The detonator was removed and a replica bomb is now displayed as a memorial.

Lunch at Marsaxlokk

After Lunch      Three Cities Tour – Birgu; Bormla and Vittoriosa                 

Across the Grand Harbour from Valletta, are the historic fortified towns of Vittoriosa, Cospicua and Senglea, known as the Three Cities. This area was seriously bombed in the Second World War, due to its close proximity to the Dockyards.

Before Valletta was built, the Knights stayed at Vittoriosa [Birgu], close to Fort St.Angelo. Stroll down its seafront where you can find the Maritime Musuem, housed in a former Naval Bakery, for a view of the maritime history of the Island. Exhibits include 2 ceremonial barges of the Grandmasters Wignacourt and De Vilhena, several models of sailing ships and galleys of the Order of the Knights of St John, and a number of authentic guns and cannons. The Folk Museum is housed in the Inquisitor’s Palace, formerly the seats of the Inquisitions in Malta. A section of the building contains interesting specimens of tools, objects of devotion, etc., of a bygone age. Of special interest, (also located at the Palace) are the judgement hall, the private apartments, and   the dungeons.

Fort St.Angelo which was built around the 12th century AD, was adopted by the Knights as their Headquarters, is now open to the public. Please check locally for opening times etc.
In Cospicua [Bormla] you can find a magnificent Parish Church, and its Oratory, which is full of unique masterpieces, the Cottonera Lines (1638) and the St. Clements Retrenchement (1854).Senglea, named after the Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, was almost completely rebuilt after the war due to bomb damage. It houses 2 interesting churches, St. Philips’s and Our Lady of Victories.

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Both races have the same starting point (Mdina Gate) and the same finishing line (Sliema), but whilst the full marathon runs for 25 miles through countryside, towns and villages, the half marathon takes a shorter route.

For further information, visit: www.maltamarathon.com