City Gate, Fawwara Area Travel Guide

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A striking contemporary gateway to Valletta, blending modern design with centuries of history and offering access to the heart of the city.

The Valletta City Gate, also known as Bieb il-Belt ('Door of the City' in Maltese), serves as the main entrance to Valletta, Malta. The current gate, completed in 2014 and designed by Renzo Piano, is the fifth gate to stand on this site, each reflecting different periods of Maltese history.

A brief summary to City Gate

Republic St, Valletta, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring City Gate.

Take a moment to appreciate the contrast between the modern gate and the historic city walls.
Walk along Republic Street, which begins at the City Gate, to explore Valletta's main attractions.
Visit the nearby Parliament building and the open-air theatre, also designed by Renzo Piano, to see the complete architectural ensemble.
Check out the views of the ditch and fortifications from the bridge leading to the gate.

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Explore City Gate on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near City Gate, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

From the Valletta Waterfront, walk along the waterfront promenade towards the city entrance. Head towards the main roads leading into the city. The City Gate is prominent and hard to miss, about a 20-30 minute walk offering scenic views.
Public Transport

From anywhere in Malta, take a bus to the Valletta Bus Terminus, which is located just outside the City Gate. Numerous bus routes serve Valletta, making it easily accessible from all parts of the island. Bus tickets cost €2.50 for a single journey during the day and €3.00 at night. Multi-day tickets are available.
Taxi

Take a taxi from anywhere on the island directly to the City Gate. Taxis are readily available, and the fare will depend on your starting location. From the airport, a taxi to Valletta costs approximately €15-€20. Be sure to confirm the fare with the driver before starting your journey.

Discover more about City Gate

Valletta City Gate is more than just an entrance; it's a passage through time. Since the city's founding in 1566, five different gates have marked this spot, each mirroring the architectural and political influences of their era. The original gate, Porta San Giorgio, was a simple, unadorned opening in the city walls. In 1633, it was replaced by a more ornate gate with a central archway. The British built a larger gate in 1853, known as Kingsgate, adorned with statues. ARationalist gate, constructed in 1965, was replaced by the current gate.The present gate, designed by Renzo Piano and completed in 2014, is a contemporary statement. Its design is minimalist, featuring immense blocks of stone framed by tall steel blades. The gate's architecture is intended to convey strength and austerity, devoid of superfluous ornamentation. The project also included the construction of the new Parliament building and the transformation of the Royal Opera House ruins into an open-air theatre. The gate provides access to Republic Street, Valletta's main thoroughfare, and offers panoramic views of the city's fortifications.