Portes des Bombes: Difference between revisions
Not bombs but bombli ! (They have handles and a spout). |
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'''''Portes des Bombes''''' ({{ |
'''''Portes des Bombes''''' ({{langx|mt|Bieb il-Bombi}}, {{langx|it|Porta delle Bombe}}, meaning "Bombs' Gate"), originally called '''''Porta dei Cannoni''''' (meaning "Cannons Gate"), is an ornamental arched [[city gate|gate]] in [[Floriana]], [[Malta]]. It was originally built in 1721 as an advanced gate within the [[faussebraye]] of the [[Floriana Lines]], and it was enlarged with the construction of a second archway in 1868. The ramparts on either side of the gate have since been demolished, leaving the gate looking like a [[triumphal arch]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20180228/opinion/Portes-des-Bombes-Joe-Bugeja.671938|title = Portes des Bombes - Joe Bugeja| date=28 February 2018 }}</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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[[File:Porte des Bombes 1860s.jpg|thumb|left|The original configuration of Porte des Bombes as seen in an 1860s photo]] |
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[[File:Journal of the late campaign in Egypt- including descriptions of that country, and of Gibraltar, Minorca, Malta, Marmorice, and Macri; with an appendix; containing official papers and documents (1803) (14741077326).jpg|thumb|left|Engraving of the gate in 1803 (left), showing its original configuration with a single arch<ref>{{cite journal|journal=Journal of the Malta Historical Society|last=Ganado|first=Albert|date=2005|title=Bibliographical notes on Melitensia - 3|url=http://mhs.eu.pn/mh3/20053.html#_ftnref308|publisher=Melita Historica|volume=14|issue=2|page=173|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140421163335/http://mhs.eu.pn/mh3/20053.html|archive-date=21 April 2014}}</ref>]] |
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Construction of the [[Floriana Lines]] began in 1636, but works proceeded slowly and the lines were only completed in the early 18th century. The lines had a large bastioned land front with [[outwork]]s and a [[faussebraye]]. Porte des Bombes was built in 1720–21 within the faussebraye, being constructed to designs of the French architect [[Charles François de Mondion]]<ref>{{cite journal|last1=De Lucca|first1=Denis|title=The contribution of Francois de Mondion in the architectural development of 18th century Malta|journal=Proceedings of History Week|date=1981|page=78|url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Proceedings%20of%20History%20Week/PHW%201981/04s.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417000031/https://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Proceedings%20of%20History%20Week/PHW%201981/04s.pdf|archivedate=17 April 2016}}</ref> at a cost of |
Construction of the [[Floriana Lines]] began in 1636, but works proceeded slowly and the lines were only completed in the early 18th century. The lines had a large bastioned land front with [[outwork]]s and a [[faussebraye]]. Porte des Bombes was built in 1720–21 within the faussebraye, being constructed to designs of the French architect [[Charles François de Mondion]]<ref>{{cite journal|last1=De Lucca|first1=Denis|title=The contribution of Francois de Mondion in the architectural development of 18th century Malta|journal=Proceedings of History Week|date=1981|page=78|url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Proceedings%20of%20History%20Week/PHW%201981/04s.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160417000031/https://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Proceedings%20of%20History%20Week/PHW%201981/04s.pdf|archivedate=17 April 2016}}</ref> at a cost of 6,000 [[Maltese scudo|scudi]].<ref name="dlh">{{cite book|last1=Rizzo|first1=Victor J.|title=Discover Floriana – Historic Walks in a Green City|date=2010|publisher=[[Din l-Art Ħelwa]] & Floriana Local Council|location=[[Floriana]]|isbn=9789990998092|pages=40–41|url=http://dinlarthelwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/floriana-walks-final.pdf|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160529115949/http://dinlarthelwa.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/10/floriana-walks-final.pdf|archivedate=29 May 2016}}</ref> The gate originally had a single arch, and it served as [[Floriana]]'s outer entrance, leading to the town's main gate ''Porta Sant'Anna''.<ref>{{cite news|title=Gateways that have vanished: Porta Sant'Anna, Floriana & Porta Haynduieli, Cottonera|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-04-29/newspaper-lifestyleculture/Gateways-that-have-vanished:-Porta-Sant'Anna,-Floriana-&-Porta-Haynduieli,-Cottonera-4786126848|work=[[The Malta Independent]]|date=29 April 2014|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160921131559/http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2014-04-29/newspaper-lifestyleculture/Gateways-that-have-vanished%3A-Porta-Sant%27Anna%2C-Floriana-%26-Porta-Haynduieli%2C-Cottonera-4786126848|archivedate=21 September 2016|access-date=9 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> It was originally protected by a [[Lunette (fortification)|lunette]].<ref name="nicpmi-floriana"/> |
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Porte des Bombes was captured by French soldiers during the [[French invasion of Malta]] in June 1798.<ref name="florianalc">{{cite web|title=Porte des Bombes|url=http://www.florianalocalcouncil.com/index.php/mnmap/2012-09-28-07-46-49/portes-de-bombes|website=Floriana Local Council|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326165957/http://florianalocalcouncil.com/index.php/mnmap/2012-09-28-07-46-49/portes-de-bombes|archivedate=26 March 2016}}</ref> At this point the Maltese insurgents opened fire in its direction, to challenge the occupants, which had left significant bullet marks on the front.<ref>{{cite book|last=Badger|first=George Percy|date=1869|title=Historical Guide to Malta and Gozo|url=https://books.google.com |
Porte des Bombes was captured by French soldiers during the [[French invasion of Malta]] in June 1798.<ref name="florianalc">{{cite web|title=Porte des Bombes|url=http://www.florianalocalcouncil.com/index.php/mnmap/2012-09-28-07-46-49/portes-de-bombes|website=Floriana Local Council|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160326165957/http://florianalocalcouncil.com/index.php/mnmap/2012-09-28-07-46-49/portes-de-bombes|archivedate=26 March 2016}}</ref> At this point the Maltese insurgents opened fire in its direction, to challenge the occupants, which had left significant bullet marks on the front.<ref>{{cite book|last=Badger|first=George Percy|date=1869|title=Historical Guide to Malta and Gozo|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Y74BAAAAYAAJ&q=Castellania+building&pg=PA230|publisher=Calleja|page=230}}</ref> |
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In the mid-19th century the British government enlarged the gate by adding a second archway to accommodate the increasingly heavy traffic in the [[Grand Harbour]] area.<ref name="times2005-05-04"/> This enlargement was designed by the architect Col. E. W. Dunford of the [[Royal Engineers]],<ref name="dlh"/> and it cost a total of £900. The second gate was inaugurated on 17 August 1868, during the governorship of Sir [[Patrick Grant]].<ref name="florianalc"/> |
In the mid-19th century the British government enlarged the gate by adding a second archway to accommodate the increasingly heavy traffic in the [[Grand Harbour]] area.<ref name="times2005-05-04"/> This enlargement was designed by the architect Col. E. W. Dunford of the [[Royal Engineers]],<ref name="dlh"/> and it cost a total of [[Pound sterling|£]]900. The second gate was inaugurated on 17 August 1868, during the governorship of Sir [[Patrick Grant (Indian Army officer)|Patrick Grant]].<ref name="florianalc"/> |
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In the early 20th century, some of the ornamentation in the archways was removed so as to enable trams to pass through the gate. The lunette outside the gate was subsequently demolished to make way for a new road,<ref name="nicpmi-floriana">{{cite web|title=Floriana Lines – Floriana Lines|url=http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/Knights%20Fortifications/1617.pdf|website=National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands|date=28 June 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819183939/http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/Knights%20Fortifications/1617.pdf|archivedate=19 August 2016}}</ref> while the ramparts on either side of the gate were demolished in the 1930s to cope with the increasing volume of traffic.<ref name="dlh"/> These alterations resulted in the gate losing its legibility as part of the Floriana Lines, making it look like a [[triumphal arch]].<ref name="nicpmi"/> |
In the early 20th century, some of the ornamentation in the archways was removed so as to enable trams to pass through the gate. The lunette outside the gate was subsequently demolished to make way for a new road,<ref name="nicpmi-floriana">{{cite web|title=Floriana Lines – Floriana Lines|url=http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/Knights%20Fortifications/1617.pdf|website=National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands|date=28 June 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819183939/http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/Knights%20Fortifications/1617.pdf|archivedate=19 August 2016}}</ref> while the ramparts on either side of the gate were demolished in the 1930s to cope with the increasing volume of traffic.<ref name="dlh"/> These alterations resulted in the gate losing its legibility as part of the Floriana Lines, making it look like a [[triumphal arch]].<ref name="nicpmi"/> |
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⚫ | The gate was restored between September 2002 and March 2003, at a cost of [[Maltese lira|Lm]] 55,000. The restoration works also included the installation of a lighting system. The gate was vandalized in May 2005 when burnt oil was daubed on it, but the damage was cleaned within a couple of days.<ref name="times2005-05-04">{{cite news|last1=Testa|first1=Michael|title=Vandals deface Portes des Bombes|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050504/local/vandals-deface-portes-des-bombes.91488|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=4 May 2005|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214552/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050504/local/vandals-deface-portes-des-bombes.91488|archivedate=3 March 2016}}</ref> The gate is considered, by the [[Law enforcement in Malta|police force]], as a high street [[hazard]] for passing vehicles.<ref name="independent26-2007">{{cite news|date=26 August 2007|title=History Repeats itself: aqueduct damaged in mysterious accident|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2007-08-26/news/history-repeats-itself-aqueduct-damaged-in-mysterious-accident-178382/|work=[[The Malta Independent]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216214522/http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2007-08-26/news/history-repeats-itself-aqueduct-damaged-in-mysterious-accident-178382/|archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> On 24 October 2012, there was some damage when an [[Arriva]] bus skidded into it and two other buses later crashed into the first bus and 22 passengers were injured. However the damaged part of the gate was repaired a few days later.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bus crash: Police list the injured – Arriva says diesel may have mixed with rainwater on the road|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121024/local/three-buses-in-portes-des-bombes-crash-passengers-hurt.442464|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=24 October 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235948/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121024/local/three-buses-in-portes-des-bombes-crash-passengers-hurt.442464|archivedate=3 March 2016}}</ref> |
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⚫ | The gate and the rest of the Floriana Lines were included on the Antiquities List of 1925.<ref>{{cite web|title=Protection of Antiquities Regulations 21st November, 1932 Government Notice 402 of 1932, as Amended by Government Notices 127 of 1935 and 338 of 1939.|url=https://www.mepa.org.mt/file.aspx?f=2627|website=[[Malta Environment and Planning Authority]]|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160419101304/https://www.mepa.org.mt/file.aspx?f=2627|archivedate=19 April 2016|access-date=19 April 2016|url-status=live}}</ref> It is now scheduled as a Grade 1 national monument, and it is also listed on the [[National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands]].<ref name="nicpmi">{{cite web|title=Porte des Bombes – Floriana Lines|url=http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/Knights%20Fortifications/1645.pdf|website=National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands|date=28 June 2013|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819171141/http://www.culturalheritage.gov.mt/filebank/inventory/Knights%20Fortifications/1645.pdf|archivedate=19 August 2016}}</ref> |
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⚫ | The gate is occasionally open to the public, such as in October as part of the festivities of ''Notte Bianca''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Debono |first1=David |title=Bieb il-Bombi jinfetaħ għall-viżitaturi waqt in-Notte Bianca |url=https://www.newsbook.com.mt/archived-article/?article=bieb-il-bombi-jinfetah-ghall-vizitaturi-waqt-in-notte-bianca |work=Newsbook.com.mt |date=5 October 2014 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20190201230146/https://www.newsbook.com.mt/archived-article/?article=bieb-il-bombi-jinfetah-ghall-vizitaturi-waqt-in-notte-bianca |archivedate=1 February 2019 |language=Maltese}}</ref> |
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⚫ | The gate was restored between September 2002 and March 2003, at a cost of [[Maltese lira|Lm]]55,000. The restoration works also included the installation of a lighting system. The gate was vandalized in May 2005 when burnt oil was daubed on it, but the damage was cleaned within a couple of days.<ref name="times2005-05-04">{{cite news|last1=Testa|first1=Michael|title=Vandals deface Portes des Bombes|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050504/local/vandals-deface-portes-des-bombes.91488|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=4 May 2005|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303214552/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20050504/local/vandals-deface-portes-des-bombes.91488|archivedate=3 March 2016}}</ref> The gate is considered, by the [[Law enforcement in Malta|police force]], as a high street [[hazard]] for passing vehicles.<ref name="independent26-2007">{{cite news|date=26 August 2007|title=History Repeats itself: aqueduct damaged in mysterious accident|url=http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2007-08-26/news/history-repeats-itself-aqueduct-damaged-in-mysterious-accident-178382/|work=[[The Malta Independent]]|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170216214522/http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2007-08-26/news/history-repeats-itself-aqueduct-damaged-in-mysterious-accident-178382/|archive-date=16 February 2017}}</ref> On 24 October 2012, there was some damage when an [[Arriva]] bus skidded into it and two other buses later crashed into the first bus and 22 passengers were injured. However the damaged part of the gate was repaired a few days later.<ref>{{cite news|title=Bus crash: Police list the injured – Arriva says diesel may have mixed with rainwater on the road|url=http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121024/local/three-buses-in-portes-des-bombes-crash-passengers-hurt.442464|work=[[Times of Malta]]|date=24 October 2012|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303235948/http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20121024/local/three-buses-in-portes-des-bombes-crash-passengers-hurt.442464|archivedate=3 March 2016}}</ref> |
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⚫ | The gate and the rest of the Floriana Lines were included on the Antiquities List of 1925.<ref>{{cite web|title=Protection of Antiquities Regulations 21st November, 1932 Government Notice 402 of 1932, as Amended by Government Notices 127 of 1935 and 338 of 1939.|url=https://www.mepa.org.mt/file.aspx?f=2627|website=[[Malta Environment and Planning Authority]]|archiveurl=https://www. |
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⚫ | The gate is occasionally open to the public, such as in October as part of the festivities of ''Notte Bianca''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Debono |first1=David |title=Bieb il-Bombi jinfetaħ għall-viżitaturi waqt in-Notte Bianca |url=https://www.newsbook.com.mt/archived-article/?article=bieb-il-bombi-jinfetah-ghall-vizitaturi-waqt-in-notte-bianca |work=Newsbook.com.mt |date=5 October 2014 |archiveurl= |
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==Architecture== |
==Architecture== |
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[[File:Malta - Floriana - Triq Nazzjonali - Porte des Bombes 03 ies.jpg|thumb|left|The gate as viewed from the rear]] |
[[File:Malta - Floriana - Triq Nazzjonali - Porte des Bombes 03 ies.jpg|thumb|left|The gate as viewed from the rear]] |
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Porte des Bombes was built in the [[Baroque architecture|Baroque style]]. The gate originally had a single arch, but the second arch on the left is a 19th-century addition. Each arched entrance is flanked by carved cannons, which gave the gate its original name ''Porta dei Cannoni'', and each cannon has a relief of a coat of arms. The four cannons which formed part of the original gate bear the arms of Grand Master [[Ramon Perellos y Roccaful]], while the two cannons on the second arch bear the [[royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom]]. The gate has a [[cornice]] above a row of carved [[Maltese cross]]es. Above the cornice are escutcheons bearing the coats of arms of the [[Knights Hospitaller|Order of St. John]], Grand Master Perellos, and the United Kingdom, as well as two marble plaques with [[Latin]] inscriptions. The plaque on the right side of the gate reads:<ref name="florianalc"/><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Espinosa-Rodriguez|first1=Antonio|title=Some reflections on the three views of Valletta and its environs at the Malta Chamber of Commerce|journal=Melita Historica|date=1989|volume=10|issue=2|pages=201–202|url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Melita%20Historica/MH.10(1988-91)/MH.10(1988)2/orig06.pdf|publisher=Malta Historical Society|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416144737/http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Melita%20Historica/MH.10(1988-91)/MH.10(1988)2/orig06.pdf|archivedate=16 April 2016}}</ref> |
Porte des Bombes was built in the [[Baroque architecture|Baroque style]]. The gate originally had a single arch, but the second arch on the left is a 19th-century addition. Each arched entrance is flanked by carved cannons, which gave the gate its original name ''Porta dei Cannoni'', and each cannon has a relief of a coat of arms. The four cannons which formed part of the original gate bear the arms of Grand Master [[Ramon Perellos y Roccaful]], while the two cannons on the second arch bear the [[royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom]]. The gate has a [[cornice]] above a row of carved [[Maltese cross]]es. Above the cornice are escutcheons bearing the coats of arms of the [[Knights Hospitaller|Order of St. John]], Grand Master Perellos, and the United Kingdom, as well as two marble plaques with [[Latin]] inscriptions. The plaque on the right side of the gate reads:<ref name="florianalc"/><ref name="um.edu.mt">https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/48072/1/Lehen%20is-Sewwa_1972_10_07_Bonnici_Arturo_Il-Bieb%20tal-Bombi.pdf {{Bare URL PDF|date=March 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite journal|last1=Espinosa-Rodriguez|first1=Antonio|title=Some reflections on the three views of Valletta and its environs at the Malta Chamber of Commerce|journal=Melita Historica|date=1989|volume=10|issue=2|pages=201–202|url=http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Melita%20Historica/MH.10(1988-91)/MH.10(1988)2/orig06.pdf|publisher=Malta Historical Society|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160416144737/http://melitensiawth.com/incoming/Index/Melita%20Historica/MH.10(1988-91)/MH.10(1988)2/orig06.pdf|archivedate=16 April 2016}}</ref> |
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[[File:Malta - Floriana - Triq Nazzjonali - Porte des Bombes 04 ies.jpg|thumb|Coat of arms of [[Ramon Perellos y Roccaful]] on the gate]] |
[[File:Malta - Floriana - Triq Nazzjonali - Porte des Bombes 04 ies.jpg|thumb|Coat of arms of [[Ramon Perellos y Roccaful]] on the gate<ref name="um.edu.mt"/>]] |
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{{ |
{{Blockquote|{{center| |
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DVM THRACES VBIQUE PVGNO<br> |
DVM THRACES VBIQUE PVGNO<br /> |
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IN SEDE SIC TVTA CONSTO<br> |
IN SEDE SIC TVTA CONSTO<br /> |
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MDCCXXI<br> |
MDCCXXI<br /> |
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''(''meaning'' While I fight the [[Ottoman Empire|Turks]] everywhere, I am secure in my seat – 1721)'' |
''(''meaning'' While I fight the [[Ottoman Empire|Turks]] everywhere, I am secure in my seat – 1721)''}}}} |
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The plaque on the left side reads:<ref name="florianalc"/> |
The plaque on the left side reads:<ref name="florianalc"/> |
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{{ |
{{Blockquote|{{center| |
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AD MAJOREM POPVLI<br> |
AD MAJOREM POPVLI<br /> |
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COMMODITATEM<br> |
COMMODITATEM<br /> |
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MDCCCLXVIII<br> |
MDCCCLXVIII<br /> |
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''(''meaning'' For the greater convenience of the public – 1868)'' |
''(''meaning'' For the greater convenience of the public – 1868)''}}}} |
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[[File:Malta - Floriana - St. Philip's Bastion 01 ies.jpg|thumb|One of the "bomblu" from which the gate gets its name]] |
[[File:Malta - Floriana - St. Philip's Bastion 01 ies.jpg|thumb|One of the "bomblu" from which the gate gets its name]] |
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Three [[Trophy (architectural)|trophies]], the central one bearing Perellos' arms, are found at the top of the gate. These all formed part of the original gate, but they were relocated when it was enlarged.<ref name="nicpmi"/> |
Three [[Trophy (architectural)|trophies]], the central one bearing Perellos' arms, are found at the top of the gate. These all formed part of the original gate, but they were relocated when it was enlarged.<ref name="nicpmi"/> |
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Just outside the gate there are two pillars bearing stone balls fashioned as large water carriers with handles and a spout. These are known as Bomblu in Maltese and gave the gate its present name ''Porte des Bombes''.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Pericciuoli Borzesi|first1=Giuseppe|title=The historical guide to the island of Malta and its dependencies|date=1830|publisher=Government Press|location=[[Malta]]|page=59|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OLANAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA59 |
Just outside the gate there are two pillars bearing stone balls fashioned as large water carriers with handles and a spout. These are known as Bomblu in Maltese and gave the gate its present name ''Porte des Bombes''.<ref>{{cite book|last1=Pericciuoli Borzesi|first1=Giuseppe|title=The historical guide to the island of Malta and its dependencies|date=1830|publisher=Government Press|location=[[Malta]]|page=59|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=OLANAAAAQAAJ&pg=PA59}}</ref> |
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Porte des Bombes is one of only two gates in Malta which bear representations of life-sized artillery pieces, the other one being [[St. Helen's Gate]] which was built in 1736.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Spiteri|first1=Stephen C.|title=Porta dei Mortari|url=http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Building-Methods/porta-dei-mortari.html|website=MilitaryArchitecture.com|archiveurl=https://www. |
Porte des Bombes is one of only two gates in Malta which bear representations of life-sized artillery pieces, the other one being [[St. Helen's Gate]] which was built in 1736.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Spiteri|first1=Stephen C.|title=Porta dei Mortari|url=http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Building-Methods/porta-dei-mortari.html|website=MilitaryArchitecture.com|archiveurl=https://archive.today/20160607075320/http://www.militaryarchitecture.com/index.php/Building-Methods/porta-dei-mortari.html|archivedate=7 June 2016|url-status=dead|date=6 September 2010}}</ref> |
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==In popular culture== |
==In popular culture== |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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{{commons category|Porte des Bombes}} |
{{commons category|Porte des Bombes}} |
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*[https:// |
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20160304034012/http://justiceservices.gov.mt/DownloadDocument.aspx?app=lom&itemid=8623&l=1 ''Portes des Bombes Area (Preservation) Act'' Ch. 74, Laws of Malta] |
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[[Category:Floriana]] |
[[Category:Floriana]] |
Latest revision as of 22:47, 25 October 2024
Portes des Bombes | |
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Bieb il-Bombi | |
Former names | Porta dei Cannoni |
General information | |
Status | Intact |
Type | Gate |
Architectural style | Baroque |
Location | Floriana, Malta |
Coordinates | 35°53′25.6″N 14°30′7.5″E / 35.890444°N 14.502083°E |
Completed | 1721 |
Renovated | 1868 |
Cost | 6000 scudi |
Renovation cost | £900 |
Owner | Government of Malta |
Technical details | |
Material | Limestone |
Design and construction | |
Architect(s) | Charles François de Mondion |
Renovating team | |
Architect(s) | Col. E. W. Dunford |
Portes des Bombes (Maltese: Bieb il-Bombi, Italian: Porta delle Bombe, meaning "Bombs' Gate"), originally called Porta dei Cannoni (meaning "Cannons Gate"), is an ornamental arched gate in Floriana, Malta. It was originally built in 1721 as an advanced gate within the faussebraye of the Floriana Lines, and it was enlarged with the construction of a second archway in 1868. The ramparts on either side of the gate have since been demolished, leaving the gate looking like a triumphal arch.[1]
History
[edit]Construction of the Floriana Lines began in 1636, but works proceeded slowly and the lines were only completed in the early 18th century. The lines had a large bastioned land front with outworks and a faussebraye. Porte des Bombes was built in 1720–21 within the faussebraye, being constructed to designs of the French architect Charles François de Mondion[2] at a cost of 6,000 scudi.[3] The gate originally had a single arch, and it served as Floriana's outer entrance, leading to the town's main gate Porta Sant'Anna.[4] It was originally protected by a lunette.[5]
Porte des Bombes was captured by French soldiers during the French invasion of Malta in June 1798.[6] At this point the Maltese insurgents opened fire in its direction, to challenge the occupants, which had left significant bullet marks on the front.[7]
In the mid-19th century the British government enlarged the gate by adding a second archway to accommodate the increasingly heavy traffic in the Grand Harbour area.[8] This enlargement was designed by the architect Col. E. W. Dunford of the Royal Engineers,[3] and it cost a total of £900. The second gate was inaugurated on 17 August 1868, during the governorship of Sir Patrick Grant.[6]
In the early 20th century, some of the ornamentation in the archways was removed so as to enable trams to pass through the gate. The lunette outside the gate was subsequently demolished to make way for a new road,[5] while the ramparts on either side of the gate were demolished in the 1930s to cope with the increasing volume of traffic.[3] These alterations resulted in the gate losing its legibility as part of the Floriana Lines, making it look like a triumphal arch.[9]
The gate was restored between September 2002 and March 2003, at a cost of Lm 55,000. The restoration works also included the installation of a lighting system. The gate was vandalized in May 2005 when burnt oil was daubed on it, but the damage was cleaned within a couple of days.[8] The gate is considered, by the police force, as a high street hazard for passing vehicles.[10] On 24 October 2012, there was some damage when an Arriva bus skidded into it and two other buses later crashed into the first bus and 22 passengers were injured. However the damaged part of the gate was repaired a few days later.[11]
The gate and the rest of the Floriana Lines were included on the Antiquities List of 1925.[12] It is now scheduled as a Grade 1 national monument, and it is also listed on the National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands.[9]
The gate is occasionally open to the public, such as in October as part of the festivities of Notte Bianca.[13]
Architecture
[edit]Porte des Bombes was built in the Baroque style. The gate originally had a single arch, but the second arch on the left is a 19th-century addition. Each arched entrance is flanked by carved cannons, which gave the gate its original name Porta dei Cannoni, and each cannon has a relief of a coat of arms. The four cannons which formed part of the original gate bear the arms of Grand Master Ramon Perellos y Roccaful, while the two cannons on the second arch bear the royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom. The gate has a cornice above a row of carved Maltese crosses. Above the cornice are escutcheons bearing the coats of arms of the Order of St. John, Grand Master Perellos, and the United Kingdom, as well as two marble plaques with Latin inscriptions. The plaque on the right side of the gate reads:[6][14][15]
DVM THRACES VBIQUE PVGNO
(meaning While I fight the Turks everywhere, I am secure in my seat – 1721)
IN SEDE SIC TVTA CONSTO
MDCCXXI
The plaque on the left side reads:[6]
AD MAJOREM POPVLI
(meaning For the greater convenience of the public – 1868)
COMMODITATEM
MDCCCLXVIII
Three trophies, the central one bearing Perellos' arms, are found at the top of the gate. These all formed part of the original gate, but they were relocated when it was enlarged.[9]
Just outside the gate there are two pillars bearing stone balls fashioned as large water carriers with handles and a spout. These are known as Bomblu in Maltese and gave the gate its present name Porte des Bombes.[16]
Porte des Bombes is one of only two gates in Malta which bear representations of life-sized artillery pieces, the other one being St. Helen's Gate which was built in 1736.[17]
In popular culture
[edit]- The gate is visible in the 2016 film 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi.
References
[edit]- ^ "Portes des Bombes - Joe Bugeja". 28 February 2018.
- ^ De Lucca, Denis (1981). "The contribution of Francois de Mondion in the architectural development of 18th century Malta" (PDF). Proceedings of History Week: 78. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 April 2016.
- ^ a b c Rizzo, Victor J. (2010). Discover Floriana – Historic Walks in a Green City (PDF). Floriana: Din l-Art Ħelwa & Floriana Local Council. pp. 40–41. ISBN 9789990998092. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 May 2016.
- ^ "Gateways that have vanished: Porta Sant'Anna, Floriana & Porta Haynduieli, Cottonera". The Malta Independent. 29 April 2014. Archived from the original on 21 September 2016. Retrieved 9 May 2020.
- ^ a b "Floriana Lines – Floriana Lines" (PDF). National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. 28 June 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 August 2016.
- ^ a b c d "Porte des Bombes". Floriana Local Council. Archived from the original on 26 March 2016.
- ^ Badger, George Percy (1869). Historical Guide to Malta and Gozo. Calleja. p. 230.
- ^ a b Testa, Michael (4 May 2005). "Vandals deface Portes des Bombes". Times of Malta. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
- ^ a b c "Porte des Bombes – Floriana Lines" (PDF). National Inventory of the Cultural Property of the Maltese Islands. 28 June 2013. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 August 2016.
- ^ "History Repeats itself: aqueduct damaged in mysterious accident". The Malta Independent. 26 August 2007. Archived from the original on 16 February 2017.
- ^ "Bus crash: Police list the injured – Arriva says diesel may have mixed with rainwater on the road". Times of Malta. 24 October 2012. Archived from the original on 3 March 2016.
- ^ "Protection of Antiquities Regulations 21st November, 1932 Government Notice 402 of 1932, as Amended by Government Notices 127 of 1935 and 338 of 1939". Malta Environment and Planning Authority. Archived from the original on 19 April 2016. Retrieved 19 April 2016.
- ^ Debono, David (5 October 2014). "Bieb il-Bombi jinfetaħ għall-viżitaturi waqt in-Notte Bianca". Newsbook.com.mt (in Maltese). Archived from the original on 1 February 2019.
- ^ a b https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/bitstream/123456789/48072/1/Lehen%20is-Sewwa_1972_10_07_Bonnici_Arturo_Il-Bieb%20tal-Bombi.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ Espinosa-Rodriguez, Antonio (1989). "Some reflections on the three views of Valletta and its environs at the Malta Chamber of Commerce" (PDF). Melita Historica. 10 (2). Malta Historical Society: 201–202. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 April 2016.
- ^ Pericciuoli Borzesi, Giuseppe (1830). The historical guide to the island of Malta and its dependencies. Malta: Government Press. p. 59.
- ^ Spiteri, Stephen C. (6 September 2010). "Porta dei Mortari". MilitaryArchitecture.com. Archived from the original on 7 June 2016.