Victoria Gate
When Valletta was founded (1566) it had three gates. The main entrance (Porta San Giorgio) and the Marsamxett Gate on the other side of the city an the gate at this location “The Del Monte gate”. The gate is named after grand master Pierre de Monte. The original “Del Monte Gate” was built in 1569 to a design by the Italian military engineer Francesco Laparelli. In front of the gate there was a drawbridge and a ditch. All gates are part of the fortification of the city.
The gate was also called the Marina Gate “Porta Marina”.
In the vicinity of the gate it was bustling with activity and there was a marina, the fish market, Church of Our Lady of Liesse and a garden known as Ġnien is-Sultan.
Around 1880, the area around “The Del Monte gate” was the busiest part of the Valletta and became too small. The Del Monte gate was demolished in 1884 and replaced by a larger gate.
The larger gate was designed by Maltese architect Emanuele Luigi Galizia, the foundation stone was laid by Governor Arthur Borton and was completed in 1885.
The two arches (pedestrian tunnels) are surmounted by the coats of arms of Malta and Valletta, and the gate is topped by the British coat of arms.The gate "Victoria gate" is named after Queen Victoria.
Around 2010 the "Vitoria Gate" was renovated. The ditch has been built up in recent years and has been restored to its original state as much as possible.
Address and street / location can be found on our map, click on Guide in the menu bar and you will get a map with markers. |
Additional information
Below: Sketch painting (around 1800) in pen, ink and wash of "The Del Monte gate".
Below: Sketch 1874, overview situation “The Del Monte gate”.
Below: Sketch Valletta side of “The Del Monte gate” (Lithograph 1844).
Below: “Victoria Gate” seen from above.
Below: “Vicoria Gate” seen from the Grand Habour from.
Below: The “Marsamxett Gate” (other side of Valletta).
This "Victoria Gate" page is part of “The Malta Magazine”.
This magazine is for every resident and visitor to the country of Malta. But is also educational and for anyone interested in Malta. The Malta Magazine highlights the past and present of specific subjects and/or places of interest with the help of extensive information and photos.
As a tool during your journey of discovery through Malta, you can use our information services free of charge. You can do this in two ways, via our website https://maltaguide.pro or our app depending on your operating system, Google Play or Apple Store. Both give you the same information.
“The Malta magazine” is the best, ultimate and most comprehensive magazine you can get of Malta.
The magazine is growing fast and will soon contain more than 350 interesting topics.
Find and discover interesting sights and discover the many historical secrets of the country Malta. Find all things to do and places of interest in your exploration.
“The Malta magazine” is also convenient whether you are walking, driving a car, or using the hop-on and hop-off bus trip, boat trip, etc.
“The Malta magazine” provides you with general information about the sights, Malta’s beauty, secrets, history and culture, its architecture, fortifications, etcetera and specific information as: what took place here?; When was it built and by whom?; What are the functions of all these.
“The Malta magazine” describes also religious subjects, museums, parks, places of interest, public toilets and much more useful information. Interesting texts set up by local experts and additional informative photos make this app distinctive.
“The Malta magazine” answers many questions and shows in an easy way to navigate way where the sights are located. A great landmap and citymap made specifically for you, is a great tool. You can immediately see where you are and where the sights are.
In this "Malta Magazine" you will find the location, address, opening hours and admission / entrance fee, general additional information and news about the spot.
Everything in “The Malta magazine” is easy to operate, without any knowledge and suitable for young and old.
“The Malta magazine” is free while you normally would pay for a guided tour, you may enjoy navigating through Malta on your own terms.
“The Malta magazine” is constantly maintained about: attractions which are closed due to renovation, changed entrance fees or opening times, etc. This maintenance costs a lot of money. However, it has been decided not to include annoying advertisements. The “The Malta magazine” has no hidden costs.
The skillfielly texts are written by local experts and additional informative photos make “The Malta magazine” information provision distinctive.