John as part of the Cottonera Lines to serve as its main gate for the Eastern Provinces, this grand baroque building survives complete and includes some marvelous architectural features which are not found anywhere else in Malta. From its roof one can enjoy stunning views of most of the island. It consist of four large bomb-proof casemates standing upon each other flanking the roadway and crowned
by a large gatehouse which originally housed the lifting mechanism for its protcullis gate. This building has a very rich and colourful history most of which is still visible in its stone in the shape of musket ball indentations and many graffiti left behind by soldiers of the Order's navy, the French and the British. Following the nearby building of the Cottonera Military Hospital in 1870, the gate gradually started serving as an adjunct to the new military medical establishment. Following the debacle at Gallipoli in 1915, thousands of wounded troops were brought to Malta for treatment and convalescence and some of these were accommodated at Notre Dame Gate for the duration of the Great War. Today Notre Dame Gate serves as the HQ of FWA and is available for visiting on an exclusive basis every Wednesday as part of a guided tour of the gate and the nearby former Cottonera Military Hospital. This tour also gives access to parts of the Cottonera Lines, the early 18th century gun powder magazine and WW2 defences. The admission fee is €15 per adult and €5 per child over 10 years. This property is available for visiting by prior booking only by telephone 21800992 during office hours or by email [email protected].
