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.
Other entrances seem fortress-like, a completely different mood altogether.
In some iron gates, the intricacy invokes amazement at the craftsmanship.
However, the simple designs still look pretty.
Traditional designs tend towards a series of curls.
Simpler shapes like lines, arrows and circles are also common.
The gate may be situated so close to the front door as to appear to exist merely to decorate it.
Other gates lead into passageways to...who knows what lies yonder?
Wrought iron work suits the character of old Maltese farmhouses. Other external accessories may be made to match.
Surprisingly, some extraordinary gates can be found guarding some very unlikely doors.
Well, certainly nobody wants to get rid of a precious and beautiful aspect of old Malta and Maltese culture.