It was originally built in 1721 as an advanced gate within the faussebraye of the Floriana Lines, and it was enlarged with the construction of a second archway in 1868.

Porte des Bombes was built in 1720–21 within the faussebraye, being constructed to designs of the French architect Charles François de Mondion[2] at a cost of 6,000 scudi.

[6] At this point the Maltese insurgents opened fire in its direction, to challenge the occupants, which had left significant bullet marks on the front.

[7] In the mid-19th century the British government enlarged the gate by adding a second archway to accommodate the increasingly heavy traffic in the Grand Harbour area.

[3] These alterations resulted in the gate losing its legibility as part of the Floriana Lines, making it look like a triumphal arch.

Above the cornice are escutcheons bearing the coats of arms of the Order of St. John, Grand Master Perellos, and the United Kingdom, as well as two marble plaques with Latin inscriptions.

[9] Just outside the gate there are two pillars bearing stone balls fashioned as large water carriers with handles and a spout.