Siege Bell War Memorial

Historic Site in Valletta

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Frank Vincentz

The Siege Bell War Memorial is one of Malta's most moving monuments, standing proudly on the Grand Harbour waterfront near the Lower Barrakka Gardens. Inaugurated in 1992 by the George Cross Island Association, it was built to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross to the Maltese people for their extraordinary bravery during World War II. The circular structure, crowned with a massive bronze bell, overlooks the sea — a place of both remembrance and reflection — reminding all who visit of the courage and resilience that defined Malta during one of the darkest chapters in its history.

The memorial's story is rooted in the heroic endurance of the Maltese population during the WW2 Siege of Malta (1940–1942). For months, Malta was subjected to relentless bombing — there was only one 24-hour period in the first half of 1942 when no bombs fell. Much of the population was forced to take shelter in caves and tunnels, enduring unimaginable hardship as food and supplies dwindled. Yet, the people's spirit never broke. In August 1942, the arrival of a critical British convoy, known as Operation Pedestal, finally broke the siege and delivered much-needed supplies to the island. In recognition of their bravery and sacrifice, King George VI awarded the entire Maltese nation the George Cross, one of Britain's highest honors for courage.

The Siege Bell Memorial was designed and sculpted by Michael Sandle, a British artist renowned for his powerful war memorials. Its centerpiece, the great bronze bell, is housed within a circular limestone colonnade, reflecting both strength and solemnity. The bell tolls daily at noon, its deep sound echoing across the Grand Harbour in memory of those who perished during the siege. Below the structure, an inscription honors the countless civilians and soldiers who lost their lives defending Malta and its people. The design's simplicity, coupled with the commanding harbor views, gives the site a timeless dignity.

Though modest in size, the memorial carries immense emotional weight. It's an essential stop for visitors walking between Fort St. Elmo and the Lower Barrakka Gardens, offering a moment to pause, reflect, and appreciate the island's wartime resilience. The setting — overlooking the sea that once carried both hope and danger — makes it one of Valletta's most poignant landmarks.

The Siege Bell War Memorial appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

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