Siege Bell War Memorial
A solemn tribute to WWII sacrifices, offering breathtaking Grand Harbour views and a daily-ringing 11-ton bell.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Tranquil views, fewer people
Siege Bell War Memorial
Best Time
Tranquil views, fewer people
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A solemn tribute to WWII sacrifices, offering breathtaking Grand Harbour views and a daily-ringing 11-ton bell.
"Fantastic views and a powerful memorial; a must-see for understanding Malta's wartime resilience."
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catching the sunrise here is highly recommended for an unforgettable experience and stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Walk from Lower Barrakka
It's a short, scenic walk from Lower Barrakka Gardens, making it easy to combine visits. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Bell
Center of the memorial
An imposing 11-ton bronze bell, a powerful symbol of remembrance for those lost during the WWII Siege of Malta.
Grand Harbour Vistas
Panoramic viewpoint
Breathtaking, unobstructed views of the historic Grand Harbour and the fortifications of Valletta.
Recumbent Bronze Figure
Opposite Fort Ricasoli
A solemn bronze figure symbolizing the fallen, facing the entrance to the Grand Harbour.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Understanding the Memorial's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Does anyone know what the use of this flag is? Displayed at Siege Bell Memorial.
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catching the sunrise here is highly recommended for an unforgettable experience and stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Walk from Lower Barrakka
It's a short, scenic walk from Lower Barrakka Gardens, making it easy to combine visits. :athletic_shoe:
🔔 Bell Rings Daily
The 11-ton bell tolls every day at noon, a powerful moment of remembrance. :bell:
🦁 Valletta City Flag
The flag displays the lion, Valletta's mascot, and is linked to Grand Master La Valette. :flag_white:
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Sunrise Spectacle
Catching the sunrise here is highly recommended for an unforgettable experience and stunning photos. :camerawithflash:
🚶♀️ Walk from Lower Barrakka
It's a short, scenic walk from Lower Barrakka Gardens, making it easy to combine visits. :athletic_shoe:
🔔 Bell Rings Daily
The 11-ton bell tolls every day at noon, a powerful moment of remembrance. :bell:
🦁 Valletta City Flag
The flag displays the lion, Valletta's mascot, and is linked to Grand Master La Valette. :flag_white:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Siege Bell War Memorial for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Grand Harbour and its poignant historical significance. The solemn atmosphere and the daily ringing of the bell are often highlighted as moving experiences. While some note there isn't much to 'do' beyond admiring the view and the memorial itself, most find it a worthwhile and reflective stop in Valletta.
"The Siege Bell War Memorial features a recumbent bronze figure opposite Fort Ricasoli at the entrance to Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta. A plaque here reads: "At the going down of the sun and in the morning we will remember them.""
David Stanley
"Beautiful panoramic point inside the Valletta di Malta.
This bell commemorates all the people who died in an attempt to defend Malta's freedom during World War II. It plays every day at 12, starting in 1992. On one side of the memorial stands out an inscription in Latin: "Obumbrasti super caput meum in die belli" ("You protected me in wartime")."
Viola Marqeni
"A great memorial to 7000 victims of Malta siege in 1940 - 1942. The bell has 11 tons.It's situated in the vicinity of Lower Barrakka Gardens."
Monika Monique
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Siege Bell War Memorial is located at the entrance to Grand Harbour in Valletta, Malta. It's easily accessible on foot from the city center and is a short walk from the Lower Barrakka Gardens. Many visitors find it convenient to explore on foot after arriving in Valletta.
Parking in Valletta can be challenging. It's best to park in one of the city's public car parks, such as the MCP car park, and then walk to the memorial. The walk is scenic and part of the Valletta experience.
Yes, buses arrive frequently in Valletta. From the main bus terminal, it's a pleasant walk downhill towards the waterfront and the memorial. Check local bus routes for the most convenient options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Siege Bell War Memorial is a public monument and is free to visit. You can access the area and admire the bell and the views without any admission fee.
The memorial is accessible at all times, as it is an outdoor monument. However, the bell rings daily at 12 PM, which is a significant time to visit.
There is no entrance fee to visit the Siege Bell War Memorial. It's a freely accessible public space dedicated to remembrance.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The memorial commemorates the 7,000 victims of the Siege of Malta during World War II. The 11-ton bell rings daily at noon as a solemn reminder of their sacrifice. It features a recumbent bronze figure and inscriptions honoring those who defended Malta's freedom.
Visitors can see the impressive 11-ton bronze bell, a recumbent bronze figure, and plaques with poignant inscriptions. The main draw, besides the memorial itself, is the spectacular panoramic view of the Grand Harbour and surrounding fortifications.
Absolutely! While there are stairs, the effort is rewarded with fantastic, unobstructed views of the Grand Harbour and the coastline. Many visitors find the climb well worth it for the scenery and the memorial's atmosphere.
The flag displayed at the memorial is the flag of Valletta City. It features a lion, which is Valletta's mascot, and is associated with Grand Master La Valette. It's often flown in celebration of the Valletta football team.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best light for photography. Sunrise provides a magical glow over the Grand Harbour, while the golden hour in the late afternoon bathes the memorial and the sea in warm light. Avoid midday for softer shadows.
The panoramic views of the Grand Harbour are a must-capture. The bell itself, the recumbent bronze figure, and the inscriptions on the plaques also make for powerful, evocative shots. Don't forget to frame the view with the memorial's architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Siege of Malta and Its Memorial
The memorial itself is a striking piece of architecture, featuring a recumbent bronze figure positioned opposite Fort Ricasoli, gazing out towards the entrance of the Grand Harbour. The bell tolls daily at 12 PM, a poignant sound that resonates across the harbor, marking a moment of reflection. Visitors often note the powerful atmosphere of the site, enhanced by the dramatic coastal scenery. The Latin inscription, 'Obumbrasti super caput meum in die belli' ('You protected me in wartime'), further deepens the memorial's solemnity, speaking to a sense of divine protection amidst the conflict.
Capturing the Grand Harbour's Majesty
For the best photographic results, aim for early mornings when the light is soft and the crowds are minimal, allowing for serene shots. The late afternoons also provide beautiful lighting, with the sun setting behind the city, creating dramatic silhouettes and warm hues. Consider using a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the harbor and the intricate details of the fortifications. The bell and the bronze figure also make for compelling foreground elements in your shots, adding a sense of scale and historical context to the breathtaking seascape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit