Places of Interest

An interesting museum, located within a magnificent Baroque building, is the National Museum of Natural History. It provides a good overview of the richness of our natural heritage, showing and explaining not only the geological formation, but also the flora and fauna that can be found on our islands. The museum is more than just a display of exhibits, as it provides educational information. The displays start with the history of the museum’s collection, then the various rooms are dedicated to different disciplines. There are some unique examples of fish, as well as mammals. There is an interesting section dedicated to the different smaller islands of the Maltese archipelago, highlighting the natural and cultural importance of each. The Museum is managed by Heritage Malta.

The rich mosaic pavements were discovered in 1881. Further discoveries were reported in the 1920s. Above the Roman remains there were also discovered an Arab cemetery. The Domus Roman is the museum which holds the remains of these important discoveries, besides other artefacts unearthed from the site. The Arab section provides the visitor with a number of tombstones, and a few remains from the cemetery. The Roman artefacts provide one with an insight into everyday life of the Romans, where one can notice a baby’s rattle, jewellery and glass objects for perfume. The mosaics are considered amongst the best in the Mediterranean of its period. One can notice the intricate pieces, made with small pieces of mosaic. Outside the museum building, one can see the archaeological area, showing parts of the Roman city of Melite. The Domus Romana is managed by Heritage Malta.

Housed within an 18^th century building, and next to the Metropolitan Cathedral, there is the rich Cathedral Museum. The Museum houses great works of art, mainly of a religious subject. Amongst the most impressive is an 18^th century set of fifteen silver statues of the apostles and St Paul, St John the Baptist and Our Lady. The silver collection shows local works of art of high standard. Within the fine arts section there are works by Mattia Preti and Antoine Favray, besides works of art from the medieval Cathedral. Throughout the museum there are a number of furniture pieces. The Museum has an interesting numismatic collection ranging from the Punic period down to modern times. Yet, one of the greatest artistic treasures are the whole set of The Life of the Virgin and the Small Passion by Albrecht Durer. This collection is one of the largest in existence, outside of Germany.​ 

Dominating the top of Saqqajja Hill is a 19^th century building, known as Casino Notabile. This was built as a social club for the notable persons living mainly in Mdina. Designed by the English architect Webster Paulson in 1886, the style of architecture chosen was typical of the time. The building is interesting as it has a number of carved stone works. It is a small building having only three rooms, and a terrace. The building was meant to be used as a private social club, but soon afterwards it was practically abandoned. It started to show structural defects as well, due to it being built on clay. The building has been restored to its former glory.