Fontanella Tea Gardens & Vinum Wine Bar

Mdina

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Fontanella – a Maltese institution – has a wonderful setting atop the city walls, with sweeping views. It serves delicious home-baked cakes, pastizzi, sandwiches, pizzas and light meals, including particularly tasty ftira (traditional Maltese bread sandwiches). It also has an intimate wine bar, with flagstone walls and views from the ramparts. Platters (€14 to €25) are an excellent option while exploring Mdina.

The beer list thoughtfully extends beyond Cisk lager to include a few interesting craft brews.

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Audiovisual displays, ghoulish and gruesome mannequins and big screens bring alive the story of the Knights of Malta and the Great Siege of 1565.

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During the 1798 Mdina uprising against the French occupiers, the French commander Masson was lobbed to his death from the Bezzina's balcony.

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The ancient seat of Malta's oldest aristocratic family, who've lived here since the 14th century.