The largest and oldest city of the legendary Maltese trio is considered to be Cospicua, or, as the Maltese call it, Bormla. There was only one way to enter the city, which was fortified by a double fort – through the main city gate, named after St. Helena. The magnificent architectural monument was built at the beginning of the 18th century by the French architect and military engineer Charles François de Mondion. The Baroque central gate of Cospicua was and remains the most beautiful gate of the Hospitaller Order.

Initially, the entrance to the city had not only the stone gate but also a wooden drawbridge, created by Marquis de Vauban, known for the original designs of impregnable medieval fortresses.

St. Helen's Gate is lined with a decorative keystone. Two massive tall columns are crowned with marble carved mortars. Hence the second name, "Porta dei Mortari" (the gate of mortars). The central pediment is decorated with the marble armor of knights, separated by a sharp sword. Once they were adorned with coats of arms: the coat of arms of the Order of St. John was on one side, the one of the Grand Master of Hospitaller Order, Antonio Manoel de Vilhena, was on the other. Unfortunately, they were erased by the French during the occupation at the end of the 18th century.

Once the brave knights sent by the Pope to protect the Maltese city passed through this gate, and today tens of thousands of tourists in Cospicua touch these ancient walls, take spectacular selfies and go for a walk in the city to explore the once impregnable fort, the shipyard, and the interiors of the ancient Church of Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception. By the way, be sure to visit St. Edward's College, located in a former British military hospital, and then enjoy the sunset with a glass of the Hopleaf Pale Ale on the city's waterfront.