Portes des Bombes is being lit green until Monday on the occasion of St Patrick’s Day, the government said.

The historic site is being turned into a 'green iconic site' as part of a worldwide initiative ‘Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening 2014’.

Other countries taking part include Australia, the United States of America, China, South Africa, Austria, Germany, Dubai and the United Kingdom.

Sites include the Sydney Opera House, the London Eye, the Empire State Building in New York and Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, Burj Al Arab, Table Mountain, and Oriental Pearl TV Tower. It is estimated that some 100 iconic sites are being lit together in green over five days.

This aim is to creates a powerful wave of connectedness, linking communities across the world while leading a compelling visual spectacle attracting global tourists to the iconic sites.

The initiative originated in Ireland two years ago and forms part of a publicity campaign to promote tourism in Ireland.

Ireland Ambassador to Malta Jim Hennesy warmly congratulated Tourism Minister Karmenu Vella for the initiative.