Valletta’s new City Gate is now flanked by two 25-metre tapered masts reaching to the sky which were installed on Monday night.

Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, chairman of the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation, explained that no flags would fly from these poles.

They have been attached to brackets and symbolise swords being held upright in salute of those entering the city.

A temporary bridge was set up across the entrance to facilitate works.

The concept designs of architect Renzo Piano’s plans initially demonstrated one flag pole. However, Mr Zrinzo Azzopardi explained, the plans changed and evolved and, by last year, the flag pole changed into two masts.

The masts are manufactured in Italy by the same contractor responsible for various other steel works in the project.

The City Gate project is now nearing its end, with most of the work on the gate area and the wide stairs on either side having been completed.

Activity is now focused on the new Parliament building, which is due to be in use when Parliament reconvenes in October.