Fawwara Gate: A Testament to Malta's History

Fawwara Gate, also referred to as Gżira Gate, Sliema Gate, Testaferrata Gate, and Tower Gate, is an archway constructed in the late 1700s during the Order of St. John's rule in Gżira, Malta. The gate was erected in 1796 to celebrate a new main road stretching from Msida to Sliema, which are now Msida Road and Rue d'Argens. The aristocratic Testaferrata family commissioned the archway when Fra Nicolaus Butius recognized the need for improved transportation between Msida and Sliema. The structure itself served as a commemoration of this development. The gate was initially located in Birkirkara, but over time, the area became known as Gżira. Another similar archway, the Ta' Xbiex Gate, was built by the same family in Ta' Xbiex but was demolished in 1989. Sir Temi Zammit praised the archway's architecture in a 1930 publication, calling it a "beautiful stone gateway". The coat of arms of the Testaferrata family and an inscription can be found on the archway. Today, the gate is well-preserved and open to the public. It was initially suggested as a Grade 2 national monument but was ultimately designated as a Grade 1 national monument by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority. Visiting Fawwara Gate offers a connection to Malta's past, allowing visitors to appreciate the craftsmanship and stories associated with it. The gate is conveniently located near local shops and cafes, enhancing the overall experience.