Overview
The highlights of Malta with an emphasis on Jewish history.
Within and outside the walls of Mdina, you'll learn how Jews lived side by side with Christians and the many activities in which they were involved. Today, a small but active community of under 200 Jews live in Malta, having their own Synagogue and Rabbis.
This tour of highlights begins in the Village of Rabat. During their 200 years of rule, the Arabs divided the old Roman city of Melita in two. The Citadel became known as Mdina and rest as Rabat. It is in Rabat that we find St. Paul's Church and Grotto and St. Paul's Catacombs. The Christian, Jewish and Pagan Catacombs are a fascinating labyrinth of subterranean tombs dating from the 3rd century AD.
In Rabat's village square, you'll sample a delectable array of Maltese sweets, while a little further down the road brings you to Malta's famous pastizzi, Malta's all-time favorite hand-held snack. Enjoy one of these irresistible, savory phyllo pockets filled with either ricotta cheese or mushy peas, produced by the best pastizzi maker in all of Malta.
The attraction of Mdina, the Medieval City and Old Capital City of Malta, is unmistakable. You will fall in love with its range of architecture with Norman and Arabic features, just as its current residents have. Game of Thrones fans will recognize the main gates as the entrance to King's Landing. Once inside the city, your guide will inform you about the bustling Jewish culture that thrived here during the Middle Ages, when Jews represented one-third of the population. Still evident are street signs indicating the Jewish Silk Market and the Jewish Gate. The Jewish people prospered during this time, owning agricultural lands and working as merchants. In 1492, all Jews were forced to leave Malta when the island came under Argonese rule and the Edict of Expulsion was enacted.
You'll visit the Marsa Jewish Cemetery, established in 1879. The first readable graves from 1887 lie side-by side with those of Jews who escaped from concentration camps from Budapest, Tunis or Oran. Learn about the prominent families of the last 100 years with a focus on the Tayar and Ohayon families.
- All entry fees to attractions indicated on itinerary are included in the price of the tour.
- This tour is accessible to those with collapsible wheelchairs and walkers. While the city of Mdina is quite flat, there are steps in the catacombs.
- Gratuities to your guide are not included in the price of the tour.
Days offered: 7 days a week
Departures:- 09:00 AM, duration: 4 hours
- 01:00 PM, duration: 4 hours
