City Gate & Royal Opera House
Home / Valletta & Floriana / City Gate & Royal Opera House
The Two Most Prominent Attractions
Of The Whole Capital City
The entrance of Valletta has changed drastically in the past 150 years. The capital city had 5 different gates. On entering the the city, there used to be the Royal Opera House just beside the gate. It unfortunately got destroyed on April.
At the bottom of the page you will find a number of 360-degree photos. You can shift through each photo by selecting one of the thumbnails at the bottom of the 360-degree photo.
Photos are credited to the 'Malta - Through the Ages Group', 'Maltese Old Photos' and 'Nostalgia Malta'.
Republic Street Circa 1859
Republic Street before the Royal Opera House was built in 1866.
Republic Street Circa 1890
Horse Drawn Cabs passing through Republic Street, formerly known as Kingsway.
Late 1890's
During the height of the British rule in Malta, the third city gate was built in 1853. Porta Reale is also known in English as Kingsway, and Putirjal in Maltese.
Republic Street Circa 1930's
The entrance to Valletta from the 3rd official entrance gate.
Royal Opera House and City Gate 1930's
The old entrance to Valletta with the Royal Opera House to the left. The building between the Opera House and the City Gate has been now replaced by the new Parliament House.
Royal Opera House 1930's
Old 1930's vehicles parked along the side road between the Royal Opera House and presently the new Parliament Building.
Inside the City Gate Circa 1940's
The gate served as the main entry and exit to the capital city for people and vehicles.
Royal Opera House 1942
Valletta was heavily bombed during World War II, resulting in very badly damaged old buildings including the Royal Opera House.
Royal Opera House Late 1940's
The Opera House after the war, as cars were parked in the vicinity after the building was cleared of debris.
Valletta 1950's
During the local feast, Republic Street was decorated with hanging banners. On the left are British servicemen in summer uniforms.
Valletta Gate Around Late 1950's
Kingsgate decorated to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Victoria's Coronation in 1953.
Visit by the queen 1968
During the 1968 visit of Queen Elizabeth to Malta, Kingsgate was decorated with flags and banners.
Valletta City Gate late 1990's
The fourth gate of the city was constructed between June 1964 and August 1965 to designs by architect Alziro Bergonzo.
A 360-degree photo of the Royal Opera House and Valletta City Gate as it is seen today.