Mdina’s change of function : from defence to tourism

Abstract

The city of Mdina was the old capital city of the Maltese Islands, as well as being one of the two walled towns found in Malta built to defend the Island from any foreign invaders during the Medieval Era. Following the arrival of the Knights, it lost most of its importance , as well as its title as capital city of the Island. The city was severely damaged in the 1693 earthquake, and was restored into a Baroque city which is known today. It was mainly used as a gunpowder magazine during this time, until it offered its defence for one last time during the insurgence against the French. During the British era, it had no primary functions, however during the Second World War the city hosted numerous refugees arriving from the heavily bombed Harbour area. With the introduction of civil aviation following World War II, travel became quicker and easier, therefore inbound tourists arriving in the Maltese Islands began to grow. Mdina became a popular with cultural and historical tourists, and therefore the function of the city changed from that of defence, to one of tourism, however also experiencing a decline in its residential function. To investigate this change of function, a questionnaire was held which focused on collecting data from the establishments found in Mdina, with the aim of getting a better understanding of how these businesses take advantage of the unique environment of Mdina in order to market their goods.