Couvre Porte (Covered Gate), Birgu
The Covered Gate, also known as the Birgu Counterguard, is a historic gateway that provides access to the city of Birgu. Built between 1716 and 1730, it was a strategic addition to the defenses of Birgu. The Gate was constructed by military engineers C.F. de Mondion and L.F. de Tigne during the reign of Grand Master Antoine de Paul (1723-1736). The primary purpose of the Covered Gate was to protect the Porta Superiore, which served as Birgu's main gateway.
The structure has undergone several alterations and additions over the centuries. It features a Baroque gateway that reflects the architectural style of its time. The Covered Gate was enveloped within a new system of outworks, including a covert way with traverses and a reverse glacis.
During the British colonial period, a barrack block was constructed within the counterguard. This building still exists today and has served various purposes, including as the offices for the Birgu Local Council.
The Covered Gate underwent a restoration project, which aimed to preserve its historical fabric. The project involved restoring the masonry, reconstructing the decorative trophies-of-arms on the main gate, and excavating the low ditch. During the excavation, a sally-port, a small hidden exit used for surprise attacks or escapes, was discovered, adding to the historical significance of the site.
Today, the Covered Gate is home to the Malta at War Museum, which is dedicated to showcasing Malta's role in the Second World War.
The museum provides insights into the island's wartime experiences, highlighting its resilience and contributions during this pivotal period in history.
The structure has undergone several alterations and additions over the centuries. It features a Baroque gateway that reflects the architectural style of its time. The Covered Gate was enveloped within a new system of outworks, including a covert way with traverses and a reverse glacis.
During the British colonial period, a barrack block was constructed within the counterguard. This building still exists today and has served various purposes, including as the offices for the Birgu Local Council.
The Covered Gate underwent a restoration project, which aimed to preserve its historical fabric. The project involved restoring the masonry, reconstructing the decorative trophies-of-arms on the main gate, and excavating the low ditch. During the excavation, a sally-port, a small hidden exit used for surprise attacks or escapes, was discovered, adding to the historical significance of the site.
Today, the Covered Gate is home to the Malta at War Museum, which is dedicated to showcasing Malta's role in the Second World War.
The museum provides insights into the island's wartime experiences, highlighting its resilience and contributions during this pivotal period in history.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Birgu. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Couvre Porte (Covered Gate) on Map
Sight Name: Couvre Porte (Covered Gate)
Sight Location: Birgu, Malta (See walking tours in Birgu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Birgu, Malta (See walking tours in Birgu)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Birgu, Malta
Create Your Own Walk in Birgu
Creating your own self-guided walk in Birgu is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Birgu Introduction Walking Tour
Birgu, also known as "Victorious City", is an ancient fortified town on the southern shore of the Grand Harbour in the South Eastern Region of Malta. It occupies a prominent piece of land, with Fort Saint Angelo crowning its apex and the town of Cospicua resting at its base.
The name "Birgu" traces its roots to the Arabic word "Borgo," meaning a small town. Over... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
The name "Birgu" traces its roots to the Arabic word "Borgo," meaning a small town. Over... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
Birgu Fortifications Walking Tour
The defensive complex surrounding Birgu, Malta, began to take shape in the early Middle Ages when Fort Saint Angelo was built circa the mid-1200s. The majority of other fortifications here were erected between the 16th and 18th centuries under the auspices of the Order of Saint John.
Remarkably, a significant portion of Birgu's fortifications remains well-preserved to this day and have... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles
Remarkably, a significant portion of Birgu's fortifications remains well-preserved to this day and have... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles