Attractions
Ironwork appreciation! 12 fabulous Maltese gates that are basically works of art
It's not just a gate, it's a beautiful example of artisanship!

Melanie Drury

In Malta, great pride is taken in beautifully ornate ironwork on a house exterior. Traditionally, Maltese houses would have gates to their front doors. Wrought iron pregnant windows are also common in the old cities, such as Mdina. While having a functional purpose, there's no reason not to include a decorative streak, is there? The metal works are known by the Italian term, ferro battuto, and wrought iron is widely perceived as a local skill in Malta. 

The gates add character to the entrance, often matched by a matching piece of work on top of the door. 

Most commonly, the wrought iron gates are painted in white or black.

Plenty of iron work can sure make a neighbourhood look pretty.

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Other entrances seem fortress-like, a completely different mood altogether.

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In some iron gates, the intricacy invokes amazement at the craftsmanship.

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However, the simple designs still look pretty.

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Traditional designs tend towards a series of curls.

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Simpler shapes like lines, arrows and circles are also common.

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The gate may be situated so close to the front door as to appear to exist merely to decorate it.

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Other gates lead into passageways to...who knows what lies yonder?

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Wrought iron work suits the character of old Maltese farmhouses. Other external accessories may be made to match.

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Surprisingly, some extraordinary gates can be found guarding some very unlikely doors.

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Well, certainly nobody wants to get rid of a precious and beautiful aspect of old Malta and Maltese culture.

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11th February 2023


Melanie Drury
Written by
Melanie Drury
Melanie was born and raised in Malta and has spent a large chunk of her life travelling solo around the world. Back on the island with a new outlook, she realised just how much wealth her little island home possesses.

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