Great Siege Square

Monument and Square in Valletta

CC BY-SA 2.0 / yeowatzup

Great Siege Square, located just off Republic Street in the heart of Valletta, stands as a proud tribute to Malta's resilience and victory during the Great Siege of 1565, when the Knights of St. John and the Maltese people heroically repelled the Ottoman Empire's invasion. Today, the square offers a peaceful and picturesque setting, where history and daily life harmoniously intertwine. Locals and visitors gather at the open-air cafés and restaurants that line the square, enjoying a coffee or meal amid one of Malta's most historically charged locations. Positioned close to major landmarks such as St. John's Co-Cathedral and the Law Courts of Valletta, the square serves as both a cultural hub and a living monument to the island's enduring spirit.

Surrounded by elegant façades and centuries-old architecture, the square's atmosphere reflects Valletta's layered history. Its centerpiece, the Great Siege Monument, was unveiled in 1927 and designed by Malta's celebrated sculptor Antonio Sciortino. Crafted in bronze, the monument features three striking allegorical figures — Faith, Fortitude, and Civilization — each representing the virtues that led to Malta's triumph during the siege. The sculpture captures the essence of the Maltese struggle and the nobility of victory, its expressive form giving life to one of the nation's most defining moments. Standing before it, one can almost sense the courage and unity that shaped Malta's destiny.

Directly across from the monument stands the imposing Courts of Justice, one of Valletta's most distinctive neoclassical landmarks. Built between 1965 and 1971 on the site of the former Auberge d'Auvergne, which was destroyed during World War II, the building was designed by architect Jo Tonna. Its commanding portico and tall Corinthian columns lend an air of dignity to the square, reflecting the ideals of justice and governance that now define the city's modern identity. This architectural juxtaposition — between Sciortino's emotive sculpture and the courthouse's stately symmetry — creates a fascinating dialogue between Malta's past and present.

Adding to the square's significance is the monument to Pope Pius V, who played a pivotal role in the construction of Valletta. It was he who sent his architect, Francesco Laparelli, to Malta to design the fortified city after the Great Siege. The statue, originally erected near Valletta's main gate in 1892, was relocated to Great Siege Square in 2006, further enriching the historical narrative of the area. Together, these monuments form a tapestry of remembrance, faith, and civic pride. Great Siege Square today is more than just a landmark — it is a place where the echoes of Malta's heroism meet the rhythms of everyday life, offering visitors a tranquil yet inspiring glimpse into the island's soul.

The Great Siege Square appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

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