History (with key dates)
1) A “main gateway” of the Cottonera Lines
The Cottonera Lines (Valperga Lines) were begun in 1670 by the Order of St John and developed through the 18th century. Within this vast enceinte, gates served different roles: some were ceremonial showpieces, others were practical military portals. A Malta Independent heritage feature notes that Porta Haynduieli (later called St Paul Gate) was designed as a main gateway and faced Għajn Dwieli.
2) Architecture remembered (even after demolition)
The same account describes an unusually “complete” gateway composition for the Cottonera Lines: a central vehicular arch with smaller pedestrian openings, plus heavy rustication and a framed panel above the main arch (with a marble inscription once present or intended).
3) Walled up—then removed
By the time historic photographs captured Porta Haynduieli, it appears already walled up, though the precise date and reason are discussed as uncertain in the heritage commentary. What is certain is the end of the structure: the Cottonera Lines reference history records that in the 1870s the St Paul Curtain and St Paul Gate (Porta Haynduieli) were demolished (along with the nearby Valperga Bastion) to enable dockyard-related infrastructure and the Għajn Dwieli road/tunnel works.
Where it stood (Curtain + bastions)
In the Cottonera Lines layout, St Paul Gate is explicitly associated with the St Paul Curtain—the curtain wall between St Paul Bastion and Valperga Bastion. While the gate no longer survives, the place-name Għajn Dwieli remains the key geographical cue for interpreting the historic entrance.
Timeline
- 1670 — Construction of the Cottonera Lines begins.
- 1680 — Works discontinued after financial strain; main enceinte largely formed.
- 18th century / 1760s — Cottonera Lines completed in later phases (overall built 1670–1760s).
- Before late 19th century — Porta Haynduieli photographed as walled up (date/reason debated).
- 1870s — St Paul Gate and St Paul Curtain demolished for dockyard expansion and Għajn Dwieli road/tunnel works.
What to see today (a “lost gate” itinerary)
Notre Dame Gate (1675) — surviving main gate
Compare a lost main gateway (St Paul/Porta Haynduieli) with the best-preserved Cottonera entrance: Notre Dame Gate.
St John Gate (walled up) + St Clement Gate (walled up)
For “sealed portals” that still exist in the masonry, link to St John Gate and St Clement Gate.