We went to L-Isla (also known as Senglea) Saturday before last and finished walking through Bormla (Cospicua) to Birgu (Vittoriosa). These form the Three cities clustered on the shores of Grand Harbour opposite to Valletta. Birgu has been wonderfully restored and I will show you some of the many shots I took there and on the way.
In this first shot is the Baroque portal being the first of three gateways leading into the fortified city of Birgu. It is also known as the Gate of Aragon, as it was built on the Post of Aragon. It was built in the early eighteenth century as part of the overall renovation of Birgu's fortifications. The extraordinarily engraved decorations were partially damaged when the Maltese rose against the French occupiers in 1798 but have now been fully restored.
The Order of Knights of St John was divided into a number of langues; one of them was the Langue of Aragon. Each langue was responsible for the defence of a particular part of the fortifications of the city. In Birgu the Langue of Aragon was responsible for the part of the fortifications where the Advanced Gate was built – hence Post of Aragon.
Many thanks for looking and for the comments and fav's on yesterday's picture
Excellent shots (like a postcard)........and interesting history, have long wanted to come to Malta, but I am a very bad traveller......maybe one day......
