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Valletta City Gate: A Modern Entrance to History
A contemporary gateway to Valletta, blending modern design with centuries of history at the entrance to Malta's capital city.
The Valletta City Gate, also known as Bieb il-Belt (Door of the City), is the main entrance to Valletta, Malta. The current gate, designed by Renzo Piano and constructed between 2011 and 2014, is the fifth gate to stand on this site, offering a contemporary portal to the historic city.
Plan your visit
A brief summary to City Gate
Opening times, essentials, and a few local tips gathered into one calmer, easier-to-scan planning section.
Plan your visit
Republic St, Valletta, MT
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Getting There
Walking
From Valletta Bus Terminal, walk straight ahead towards the entrance of the city. The City Gate will be directly in front of you, approximately a 2-minute walk. No costs involved.
Public Transport
Arriving by bus from other parts of Malta, alight at the Valletta Bus Terminal, located just outside the City Gate. From the terminal, the gate is a short walk away. A single journey ticket costs €2.50 in summer and €1.50 in winter. Night tickets cost €3.
Taxi
From anywhere in Valletta, a taxi to the City Gate is a short ride. Taxi fares generally start at around €15-€20. There are taxi stands throughout the city, or ride-sharing apps like Bolt and eCabs can be used.
Local tips
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Take a stroll around the landscaped ditch area surrounding the City Gate for panoramic views of the fortifications.
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Visit the open-air theatre, Pjazza Teatru Rjal, located within the ruins of the Royal Opera House, to experience a performance or simply admire the architecture.
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Explore the new Parliament building, noting its unique design and the photovoltaic panels on its roof.
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Walk along Republic Street, the main thoroughfare that starts at City Gate, to discover Valletta's shops, cafes, and historical landmarks.
Discover more about City Gate
Valletta City Gate marks the entrance to Malta's capital city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and serves as a striking example of modern architecture blended with historical significance. Designed by the renowned Italian architect Renzo Piano, the gate is the fifth iteration to stand on this site, with its construction completed between 2011 and 2014. Throughout history, the entrance to Valletta has been modified and rebuilt several times. The first gate, Porta San Giorgio, was built in 1569. In 1633, it was replaced by a more ornate gate during the reign of Grand Master Antoine de Paule. The British constructed a third gate in 1853, known as Kingsgate or Kingsway. A fourth gate, part of a redevelopment project, was inaugurated in 1964. The current gate is stylistically similar to the ancient Egyptian Temple of Edfu.Piano's design is characterized by its simplicity and austerity, utilizing large blocks of stone framed by steel blades. The project also included the construction of a new Parliament building and the transformation of the Royal Opera House ruins into an open-air theatre. The gate's design aimed to reinstate the feeling of depth and strength of the city's ramparts, creating a narrow entrance that opens up views of Republic Street.
A brief summary to City Gate
Use City Gate as your starting point for nearby food, family ideas, nightlife, and more local discoveries.
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