Valletta is a World Heritage Site, listed by UNESCO as one of the most densely concentrated historical areas on the planet. It is no surprise then, that any trip to Malta, must start from Valletta. Here are some Valletta monuments you just cannot miss to visit.
Christ the King
The Christ the King monument stands right outside the city walls. This work commemorates the 1913 International Eucharistic Congress, held in Malta. The design is a typical modernist early 20th Century style. The massive bronze statue of a walking Christ sits atop a large pillar of marble. At its foot an effigy of a woman, represents Malta as she kneels in front of the Redeemer. Antonio Sciortino, one of Malta’s most celebrated artists, designed and produced this monument.
Tritons’ Fountain
Further up, but still outside the city walls, is the spectacular Tritons’ fountain. The revolutionary work was finished in 1959. The monument is a rare example of non-religious, non-political figurative public art. The artist Vincent Apap created the composition of the mythical sea creatures, holding a large bronze basin aloft their heads. The fountain has recently undergone restoration and some revamping to its former glory. Visiting at night is a true treat!
Monument to De Valette
For many centuries, the entire city of Valletta was a monument to the man who designed and gave her his name. The monument to Fra Jean Parisot de Valette, 49th Grand Master of the Order of the Knights of St John, came around in 2012. The most recent one of the Valletta Monuments in this list, it was made to the design and bronze-work of Joseph Chetcuti. The gesso of the same work is on display at the La Valette Band Club in Republic Street.
Les Gavroches at the Upper Barrakka Gardens
Cast in 1904, this emotional group depicts Parisian children looking out for each other. Its inspiration are the titular Gavroches from Les Misérables by Victor Hugo. Also the work of celebrated Maltese artist Antonio Sciortino, it is situated in one of the island’s most beautiful gardens. The famous Upper Barrakka Gardens. Once here, make sure to take in the spectacular view of the Grand Harbour!
Great Siege Monument
Onjce again the work of Antonio Sciortino this monument commemorates the Great Siege of 1565. For four long months, the Maltese led by the Knights of St John, withstood the attempts of the Ottoman Empire to invade the island. The seige lasted from 18th May to 12th September 1565. The three bronze figures symbolise Faith, Fortitude, and Civilisation. Following the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017, the monument has donned a new meaning. It has become a symbol of resistance against corruption and organised crime.
Sette Giugno Monument
7th June, or Sette Giugno is an important day in the Maltese calendar. It marks the day in 1919, when a series of revolts against the British government of the time ended up with four Maltese men shot dead. The cause of the protests was the rising price of bread. The monument in the socialist realist style, typical of the 1970s, is the work of sculptor Anton Agius and is the centre of celebrations every 7th June.
Lower Barrakka Garden
Make sure to visit the Lower Barrakka Gardens and take in the wonderful view of the Grand Harbour and the Three Cities from a different angle. The Knights of Malta built the Barrakkas for their entertainment. Nowadays they house some of Malta’s most iconic settings. Here look out for the monument to Sir Alexander Ball, a British admiral who was the first Civil Commissioner of Malta. Besides that, a good chunk of our Valletta Monuments are concentrated around this spot.
The Malta Siege Bell Memorial
Malta’s colourful history saw the island in the centre of another siege, this time it was the wrath of the Luftwaffe that it had to withstand, as the Second World War came to Malta – then a valuable outpost of the British Empire. The Malta Siege reached its peak in 1942. Famously, Malta was declared the most heavily bombed place on Earth. The monument, with its majestic bell, the largest on the island, commemorates the great sacrifice of all those who lost their lives during those terrible years.
