Siege Bell Memorial

The Siege Bell Memorial sits on the bastions at the harbour end of the Valletta peninsula in Malta, on Triq il-Mediterran, and is a site that many cruise-ship visitors miss because it lies away from Republic Street. It commemorates the Allied servicemen and civilians who died during the Siege of Malta between 1940 and 1943, and was unveiled in 1992 by Queen Elizabeth II on the 50th anniversary of the island being awarded the George Cross. A large bronze bell hangs within a circular limestone colonnade, and the bell is rung at set times. Inscriptions inside the colonnade record the dead of the Mediterranean campaign. In front of the memorial a quiet terrace overlooks the entrance of the Grand Harbour, with views across to Fort St Angelo, Fort Ricasoli and the Three Cities, and a memorial garden stretches alongside. The approach from the Lower Barrakka Gardens along the bastion road, with the sea on the right, is peaceful and takes about ten minutes, passing old fortifications and glimpses of the harbour below. The memorial can also be reached on foot from Palace Square in about 12 minutes. A visit takes roughly 30 minutes, allowing time to walk around the colonnade, read the names and sit on a bench. It is free and open daily, and late afternoon light on the stone and water is especially fine for photography. Because the memorial is a place of remembrance, quiet and respectful behaviour is expected. Shade is limited, so a hat and water are useful in summer. Fort St Elmo and the National War Museum are a short distance further along the road, making a natural pairing for visitors interested in Malta's wartime history.