You have spent most of your life in Mdina. How has the old capital changed along the years?

I have spent most of my life in Mdina. Despite appearances and the impression that the bastions make the city impervious to change, Mdina has indeed changed significantly. First of all, a lot of restoration has been carried out in the past years. A significant stretch of bastions has been restored – this was a huge feat considering the effort involved. More bastions will be restored in the coming years.

Central and local government have collaborated on significant restoration projects as well as embellishment initiatives such as Howard Gardens. The Mdina Local Council has installed additional signage and street furniture that have made the city more accessible to visitors. More businesses have also opened, thus helping attract visitors.

The council plays an important role in increasing the appreciation of Mdina. The education system is also a key contributor. Nowadays, children learn a lot about Maltese history, and this encourages them to visit and learn more about the old capital. Malta has also applied for world heritage status for Mdina and the Cittadella in Gozo, which would be a significant achievement not just for Mdina but for us as a nation.

Photo: RnDmS/shutterstock.com

The people have also changed a lot. When I was a young boy growing up in Mdina, there were a lot of children. Nowadays, Mdina’s population is an ageing one: the average age is in the fifties. Real estate prices have also become prohibitive, thus discouraging more people to come and set up residence here.

What was it like to spend your childhood in a fairy-tale city?

Back in those days, Mdina’s residents were like one big family. We used to hang around in a group and play around Mdina’s streets. It was a normal childhood, but set against a beautiful backdrop.

The only drawback was that in summer, we used to miss the sea. Going swimming would involve hours on the bus or various attempts to try and cadge a lift. But it was home and we loved it.

Mdina has the kind of historical and urban atmosphere that remains unchanged. What elements create this atmosphere?

At night, it is tranquil and every street an invitation to give in to nostalgia

The atmosphere in the old capital changes all the time. I like early mornings when I meet the residents of Mdina, before the tourists come in. Then during the day when all the museums and attractions are open, the city is very busy. At night, it is tranquil and every street is an invitation to give in to nostalgia.

What is the reality of living in Mdina?

Mdina is a beautiful place to live in. However, it can also be challenging. Real estate, for instance, is expensive to buy and to restore. Also, houses with a garden or a garage are rare.

Moreover, ground floors tend to be dark and humid. Of course, the positive thing is that properties in Mdina are magnificent.

Another challenge is the lack of services. Our grocer retired some years ago and since then, a hawker comes in so that at least we can buy the daily essentials. Mdina’s population is an ageing one, with all the challenges that it involves.

For me, the worst thing is when a house is left empty and no maintenance is carried out. A city needs its residents. However, in recent years, more properties are coming up for residential rent and that is a positive thing.

What are the main responsibilities of the Mdina Local Council?

Our responsibilities are towards the residents as well as the businesses that operate in Mdina. Being both a resident and in business gives me an insight into both realities and helps me find the right balance so that residents and businesses can live together.

How has the Medieval Mdina Festival grown since the first edition?

Essentially, the festival recreates the past. For two days, we remove the cars from the streets and give space to various re-enactments and activities. Mdina has a long history to portray and the festival is an opportunity to showcase this history. The festival also encourages more people to visit, which is good for the museums, attractions and businesses.

Since the first edition of the festival, the interest has grown. For instance, in the first editions we used to have a lot of actors and re-enactment groups from abroad. Nowadays, most of them are Maltese. This is very positive as we want Mdina to be a platform for local talent.