Great Siege Monument, Bronze monument near Saint John's Co-Cathedral in Valletta, Malta
The Great Siege Monument stands on Republic Street, featuring three bronze female figures on a granite base. Faith wears a papal tiara, Fortitude is armored with a sword, and Civilization bears Minerva's mask, each form cast in bronze and mounted together.
The monument was inaugurated in 1927 to honor Malta's defense during the Great Siege of 1565, when the Knights of St. John fought Ottoman forces. This crucial year shaped Malta's future as an independent stronghold rather than conquered territory.
Sculptor Antonio Sciortino created this work in Rome, choosing three female figures to represent ideals central to Malta's identity. Each figure expresses a different virtue that the nation wanted to embody.
The site sits directly on Republic Street in central Valletta, making it easy to find and reach on foot from most areas. Access is free and available year-round, so you can visit whenever suits your schedule.
The monument appeared on Maltese 50-cent coins between 1972 and 1986 and has been featured on multiple postage stamps over the years. This presence on currency and stamps reflects how deeply the scene connects to Malta's sense of self.
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