Malta - Mdena

There is a grand entrance to Mdena.  The city was destroyed in an earthquake in the very early 1700’s.  In fact, most of the construction on the island was destroyed.   The Knights of St. John are often called the Knights of Malta.  They defended Malta against the invading Ottomans and were victorious.  Their victory turned the war.  They decided to stay in Malta.  Napoleon drove them out.  The Knights of St. John still exist.  They are a charitable organization.

 

The Knights lived by the port – not in Mdena.  The Mdena folks did not like the Knights.  After the earthquake, the Knights rebuilt Mdena at the Knight’s expense.  Then the Mdena citizens liked them.

 

This entrance is relatively new.  There was an old wooden drawbridge about 20 feet to the left of the pretty bridge.