Monuments in Malta

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The Great Siege monument

The Great Siege monument dominates the square in front of the Law Courts in Republic Street, Valletta. Founded at an important moment in the beginning of Malta's twentieth century political development it became, by time, a symbol of the cultural, social and political identity of the Maltese people. It was inaugurated on the 8th of May 1927.

The monument consists of a granite base with three bronze figures, and commemorates the 1565 Great Siege of Malta. There are three allegorical classical figures. The centre figure represents Valour as a bold male. On either side of Valour are two female figures. The female figure on the left represents Faith and carries a papal tiara in her outstretched hand, while the one on the right, which carries a mask of Minerva, represents Civilisation.

Although the monument was primarily meant to represent the Maltese who fell at the defence of Malta, its people and their faith during the Great Siege, it soon became a symbol of Malta’s First Constitution granted in 1921 - the beginning of a new era, with the Maltese people governing themselves. It also became the symbol of Malta’s quest for independence and a symbol of the re-integration into its roots of European Civilisation.

http://www.maltain360.com/default.aspx#110000527

The Great Siege Bell War memorial

The 10-tonne bronze Great Siege Bell War memorial was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth and the President of Malta on 29 May 1992, the 50th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross of Bravery to the island of Malta in 1942. It is rung daily at noon. As you can imagine the sound is very loud so don't stand too near!

The bell is mounted in a limestone tower. At the foot of the bell tower is a bronze figure representing the 7000 who died in the siege. The gallery contains pictures of the plaques. It is located across the street from the Lower Barrakka Gardens, Valletta, and is smartly located so every tourist could enjoy the wonderful view.

http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM8G17_Siege_Bell_Memorial_Valletta_Malta