In 1278 Cooper became part of the Venetian Republic and was fortified by a defensive wall around the island. This wall had 12 gates that lead travelers to the city, most of the city walls have now been demolished and the only gate of Vrata Moda among all the original city gates is still preserved today. The portal, like the rest, was built in the Renaissance style and modeled on antique Roman triumphal arches. It is interesting to know that Vrata Moda was built on the site of a small bridge connecting the island to the mainland.