Narrow, winding passageways like this one riddle the walled city of Mdina in Malta, often called the Silent City, as only about 300 residents now live within the walls

Palaces and church inside the walled city of Mdina, which was at one time the capital of Malta, and today is inhabited by only 300 people

Just one example of the exquisite architecture of Mdina, the ancient walled city that was the original capital of Malta

After carrying the icon of St. Publius through the cobblestone streets of Floriana, Malta during their annual patron saint feast day, the priests return to Saint Publius Church, which is illuminated with thousands of miniature white lights

Icon of St. Publius is carried through the streets of Floriana, Malta for hours during the community’s patron saint celebration