| Porte des Bombes was built in the 16th Century by the Knights of St. John & was originally joined to the main outer defensive wall. It stood unattached during WWII & proved a good backdrop for photographs. I include it in a section to show the changes to it over the years. |
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This photo shows how the gate
originally looked. It was then called 'Porta dei Cannoni' when it was
inaugurated in 1721. The three carved trophies of arms bear the arms
of Grand Master Perellos. This Grand Master died in 1720 but the coat
of arms were included as he had funded the building work. The gate was
fitted with a system of bascule-type drawbridge known locally as a'
la Vauban'. |
Photo taken circa 1910 showing
the inside of the gate which was altered by Col.Edward Durnford CRE
& Royal Engineers in 1868 (opened 22nd May of this year which seems
to have been the date the name changed to 'Porte des Bombes) to facilitate
the ever growing volume of vehicular traffic into the city.Through the
left archway you can see a pilaster which flanked the advance gate,
surmounted by a massive stone mortar bomb that gave the name to the
area. This is still there today! |
