The Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna is restoring the large number of historic timber apertures at Notre Dame Gate in Vittoriosa. This work was made possible through a long-term sponsorship agreement reached with The Alfred Mizzi Foundation.

The Alfred Mizzi Foundation was set up in 2004. The overall objective of the foundation is the promotion, diffusion and safeguarding of the Maltese culture, its heritage, education, the environment and social solidarity

In all, some 40 traditional timber windows, shutters and doors are to be restored. All apertures are made in wood with wrought-iron fittings. The majority of these date back to late 19th-early 20th century, but there are at least five of them that go back to the late 18th century which are being given special attention.

The condition of these apertures varies from one to the other. Decades of abandonment and misuse of the gate has led many of them to suffer from much rot and vandalism. Throughout this work, FWA is aiming to conserve as much as possible from the original fabric restricting to the limit modern replacements.

Notre Dame Gate at Vittoriosa is one of the original seven gates built into the Cottonera Lines by Grand Master Fra Nicola Cotoner in 1670. It was meant to serve as the principal gate for use by traffic emanating from the southeastern towns and villages. The western part of the lines was served by Porta Marina on the Senglea side.

In its present configuration, it has three gateways: a central one for vehicular traffic and two small ones on either side for pedestrians. Each of these was designed to have a drawbridge. The central one was of the bascule type later replaced by a chain-drawn one while the side ones may have been drawn by rope. A portcullis gate was positioned at the back of the main opening. Its lifting machinery was accommodated for in the lofty gatehouse above. None of the gates and bridges survive today.

Notre Dame Gate was named in French after Our Lady of Graces, the patron saint of Zabbar which it overlooks. It is also known as Cotoner Gate, Zabbar Gate and Bieb is-Sultan in Maltese.

Notre Dame Gate is the highest building in Cottonera. It is built on five levels with an elevated gatehouse resting on two massive arcaded flanks each of which were designed to offer bomb-proof cover to anyone taking refuge in them during a bombardment. The architectural style of this building is very ornate and impressive following the high baroque style of the time.

After many years of neglect and misuse, Notre Dame Gate was passed on to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna by the government for restoration and management. Huge sums of money have been spent on this site ever since, along with countless hours by volunteers and skilled tradesmen to return the glorious historic building back to its former state. Since a few months, FWA has moved its headquarters to the upper part of this building.

On completion of all restoration works, FWA aims at opening up a permanent visitor attraction at this site that will focus on the rich history of the Cottonera region. A visitor view platform is also envisaged on top of the roof of the same building from where breathtaking vistas of most of the island, including the southeastern coast, Mdina, the Harbour region and Valletta can be enjoyed.