Last Sunday all museums and heritage sites were free and so my brother and I took the occasion to go visit the recently restored Fort St Elmo. St Elmo at the tip of Valletta guards the entrance of Malta’s historic harbour.
We entered through the gate at left. As you can see, it was constructed in 1880 during British enlargement of the fort. Note the bareness of the gate built for functional needs Beyond you can see yachts sailing outside Grand Harbour .
Further inside the fort was this second gate (on the right) dating from 1552 (and restored in 1943). This was probably the entrance gate of the fort during the Knights of St John’s stay in Malta. You will note the three emblems of the Order which are not distinguishable and the eye sculpture which is very clear. The gate is also very small to allow only marching troops or perhaps horsemen.
The two gates, which aren’t the only ones to give excess to the fort, show the difference in architecture between the chivalrous late middle ages and the functional modern designs.
Thank you so much for looking and for the lovely comments and the fav's on yesterday's picture.
Amazing difference in size and grandeur the left as you say is just functional -- a hole in the wall with an arch top !! while the other smaller archway although simple in design has the added décor of the crown and shields but also that intriguing eye !! I wonder if the eye symbolises the fact whoever goes through the archway are seen or watched !! I love the mellow stone of the earlier archway -- a great comparison diptych Dione !
Great view on, and great captures of, those beautiful gates.
The farmers won`t if they know the damage on the soil by the rain. To difficult for me to explain it in English why, but the result is a less and very bad grow next season. And a lot of new work to make it something.
Interesting history make for a great day out. Love the arch with the sea view.
The farmers won`t if they know the damage on the soil by the rain. To difficult for me to explain it in English why, but the result is a less and very bad grow next season. And a lot of new work to make it something.
Thanks for sharing your history.
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