Background

Notre Dame Gate: A Baroque Sentinel of Birgu

4.5 (248)

Explore the grandeur of Notre Dame Gate in Birgu, Malta, a historic gateway offering stunning views and a glimpse into the island's past.

The Notre Dame Gate, constructed in 1675 by the Knights of St. John, is a commanding Baroque structure and the main entrance to the Cottonera Lines in Birgu, Malta. Once a vital defensive point, it now welcomes visitors to explore the city's rich history and offers panoramic views from its impressive height.

A brief summary to Notre Dame Gate

Local tips

  • Check the opening hours and pre-book your visit, as access is often limited to guided tours.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for exploring the gate and the surrounding narrow streets of Birgu.
  • Bring a camera to capture the intricate details of the Baroque architecture and the panoramic views from the top.
  • Combine your visit with a walk through Birgu to experience the city's historical atmosphere and explore other nearby attractions.
widget icon

Do you manage this location?

Take control to get all the benefits, like improved information, better appearance, and stronger visibility across AI-powered discovery. Learn more

Activate your presence

Other nearby places you may find interesting

Attraction

St. James Gate

St. James Gate: A Glimpse into Malta's Rich History
Attraction

Forti San Salvatur

Forti San Salvatur: A Bastion of History in Birgu
Attraction

Cottonera Resource Centre, University of Malta

Cottonera Resource Centre: A University Outreach in Birgu

Unlock the Best of Notre Dame Gate

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Birgu, walk towards the waterfront and follow the signs to Triq Il-Kottonera. The Notre Dame Gate is a prominent landmark and easy to spot. The walk offers a scenic experience of Birgu's historical architecture.

  • Public Transport

    Take bus number 4 from Valletta's main bus station to the 'Sultan' bus stop, which is just a few meters from the Notre Dame Gate. Buses operate every 30 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays and every hour on Sundays. A single bus fare costs €3.

  • Taxi

    From Malta International Airport, a taxi to Notre Dame Gate in Birgu takes approximately 9 minutes and costs between €16-€20. Taxis are readily available at the airport.

Discover more about Notre Dame Gate

Notre Dame Gate, also known as Notre Dame de la Grace Gate, the Cottonera Gate, the Żabbar Gate or Bieb is-Sultan, stands as a majestic sentinel in the heart of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta. Constructed in 1675 under Grand Master Fra Nicola Cotoner, this impressive Baroque gate served as the main entrance to the Cottonera Lines, a nine-kilometer series of fortifications encircling the Three Cities. Designed by French military engineer Charles François de Mondion, the gate blends artistic detail with military strength.Rising five stories high, Notre Dame Gate is the tallest gate on the island, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The gate complex includes four bomb-proof casemates and a gatehouse that once housed the lifting mechanism for the portcullis. Musket ball indentations etched into the stone serve as a reminder of past conflicts. Over the years, the gate has also served as an adjunct to the nearby Cottonera Military Hospital.Today, Notre Dame Gate is the headquarters of Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna – the Malta Heritage Trust. While the ditch was filled and the drawbridge removed after the 1930s, the gate remains a Grade 1 national monument. Visitors can explore the gate as part of a guided tour, delving into Malta's rich history and enjoying the panoramic views from the top.

Explore the best of what Notre Dame Gate has to offer

Mobile App

Your all‑in‑one travel companion app

Explore expert travel guides, compare and book tours, experiences, hotels, and more—all from the palm of your hand. Download now for seamless trip planning wherever your wanderlust takes you.



More about Blue Grotto

File:Blue Grotto Malta.jpg - Wikipedia

Discover the enchanting Blue Grotto in Malta, where crystal-clear waters and ancient sea caverns create a breathtaking natural wonder steeped in history and folklore.

Tell me more about Blue Grotto
Attraction

Escape to a tranquil oasis in Birgu's historic ditch, where nature and history intertwine to create a serene garden experience.

Birgu Ditch Gardens
Attraction

Explore St. James Gate in Bormla, a historical landmark that encapsulates Malta's rich heritage and architectural splendor.

St. James Gate

Select Currency