The Porte des Bombes (Maltese ‘Bieb il-Bombi’; English ‘The Bombs Gate’ ) is an ornamental gate in the Floriana Lines, which formed the outer defensive walls of Valletta, It was constructed in Baroque style between 1697 and 1720, during the reign of Fra Ramon Perellos y Roccaful, 64th Grandmaster of the Knights of Malta. Perellos' Coat of Arms appears above the gate.
During the 19th century, the British government added a second archway (Thank God they didn’t just demolish the original and construct their own as they did at Victoria Gate) to accommodate increasingly heavy traffic in the Grand Harbour area. A marble plaque was affixed to the newer arch, with the following inscription: "Ad majorem popoli accomodatum".
In view of the ever increasing traffic, the British Administration later opened further traffic lanes on each side of Portes Bombes by demolishing part of the bastion walls. To me this is one of the most beautiful ornamental gates I have ever seen.
By the way, last Sunday I had my first swim for this summer - it was wonderful. From now on, I will be cooling off in the blue Mediterranean every day, please God.
