Triton Fountain, Valletta

Fountain in Valletta

CC BY-SA / Diego Delso

The Triton Fountain stands proudly at the entrance to Valletta, serving as both a visual masterpiece and a symbol of national pride. Positioned just outside the City Gate, this elegant landmark welcomes everyone entering Malta's UNESCO-listed capital with a flourish of artistry and motion. Designed in 1959 by sculptor Chevalier Vincent Apap and draftsman Victor Anastasi, the fountain celebrates Malta's deep connection to the sea and its enduring creativity. Today, it is one of the top attractions in Valletta — a meeting point, a performance space, and a work of art all in one.

With its three muscular bronze Tritons supporting a large basin, the fountain captures the strength and vitality of the Maltese spirit. The design feels at once ancient and modern, echoing classical Italian fountains like those in Rome while maintaining a distinct Maltese identity through its bold scale and clean composition. Whether seen by day with the sunlight glinting on its bronze figures, or at night when it glows dramatically against Valletta's bastions, the Triton Fountain remains one of the must-see places in Valletta for visitors and locals alike.

History and Significance
Things to See and Do
Practical Tips
How to Get There
Is the Triton Fountain Worth Visiting?
Nearby Attractions

History and Significance

The story of the Triton Fountain begins in the post-war years of the 1950s, when Malta sought to redefine itself as a confident, modern nation. Commissioned by the Maltese government, the fountain was designed to create a grand civic entrance to Valletta — a space that would link the island's classical heritage with its evolving identity. Sculptor Vincent Apap, already renowned for his public monuments, envisioned three Tritons from Greek mythology lifting a basin in a graceful yet powerful composition. The Tritons, sons of Poseidon, were chosen for their symbolic association with the sea — a fitting tribute for an island whose history and livelihood have always been bound to the Mediterranean.

The fountain quickly became a cultural icon, hosting parades, celebrations, and national ceremonies. But in 1978, tragedy struck when the top of the structure collapsed during a celebration, damaging the bronze figures. Repairs in the 1980s added a central support column, altering the fountain's original appearance. It remained this way until the early 21st century, when plans for Valletta's City Gate regeneration — led by world-famous architect Renzo Piano — included restoring the fountain to its former glory.

The restoration, completed in 2017, was meticulous. The bronze sculptures were dismantled, cleaned, and repaired before being reassembled in their original configuration. The addition of lighting and a spacious pedestrian plaza transformed the area into a modern piazza, balancing historical artistry with contemporary urban design. The Triton Fountain once again became the gateway to the capital — elegant, dynamic, and timeless.

Things to See and Do

Visiting the Triton Fountain is a delight both by day and night. During daylight hours, you can admire the intricate detailing of the Tritons' forms, their muscles taut as they balance the basin above. The fountain's setting — surrounded by limestone fortifications and open plazas — makes it a striking foreground for photos of Valletta's entrance.

As evening falls, the fountain comes alive with light. Its jets of water dance in synchronized patterns, illuminated by subtle color-changing lights that shimmer across the bronze figures. This spectacle, accompanied by the gentle hum of the surrounding city, makes the Triton Fountain one of the best places to visit in Valletta after sunset.

The plaza surrounding the fountain is also a popular gathering point for both locals and tourists. Street performers, musicians, and food vendors often add to the lively atmosphere, especially during weekends or festivals. It's a great place to relax before venturing into the city, and a highlight of any walking tour of Valletta.

Practical Tips

Best time to visit: Evening for illuminated views or early morning for quiet photography
Entrance fee in Euros: Free
Opening hours: Accessible 24 hours
Official website: visitmalta.com
How long to spend: 15–30 minutes
Accessibility: Fully accessible with wide pedestrian areas
Facilities: Benches, rest areas, and nearby public restrooms
Photography tip: Capture the fountain from the City Gate bridge for the best composition
Guided tours: Included in most Valletta city tours
Nearby food options: Café Jubilee, Is-Suq tal-Belt, and the Embassy Rooftop

How to Get There

The Triton Fountain is located just outside Valletta's City Gate, at the entrance to the capital. It's easily accessible from anywhere on the island, as the main Valletta Bus Terminal is situated right behind the fountain plaza. Visitors arriving by car can park in the Floriana area and walk a few minutes to the site. The fountain also marks the starting point for most walking tours of the city.

Is the Triton Fountain Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. The Triton Fountain is one of the things to do in Valletta that you simply can't miss. It's more than a monument — it's a gathering place that captures Malta's artistic soul and maritime heritage. Whether you're snapping photos, people-watching, or soaking in the atmosphere before exploring the capital, this landmark perfectly encapsulates the spirit of Valletta: beautiful, bold, and forever in motion.

Nearby Attractions

City Gate – Valletta's sleek modern entrance designed by Renzo Piano.
Parliament Building – A contemporary architectural gem beside the gate.
Pjazza Teatru Rjal – Open-air performance space built on the ruins of the Royal Opera House.
Upper Barrakka Gardens – Iconic viewpoint offering panoramic harbor vistas.
St. John's Co-Cathedral – Home to Caravaggio's masterpiece and Baroque splendor.

The Triton Fountain appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Valletta!

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