Siege Bell War Memorial, Valletta

Inaugurated in 1992 by the George Cross Island Association, the memorial commemorates the 50th anniversary of when the George Cross was awarded to the island of Malta.

The association came into being by veterans and their families from the Siege of Malta during World War II. Malta was bombed non-stop during the first half of 1942. There was only one time when bombs did not fall for 24 consecutive hours in those six months. As a result, the population of the islands lived in caves and tunnels.

The siege was broken in August of 1942 when a convoy of British ships arrived. For their grit, King George VI honored the island's people with the highest award, the George Cross.

The monument overlooks the Grand Harbor and was sculpted and designed by Michael Sandle.

The memorial is a small site, but it's worth stopping by, especially as you travel to Fort Saint Elmo or the Lower Barrakka Gardens. The waterfront views are spectacular, and the memorial is a poignant tribute to the victims of World War II.

Tip:
The place can get quite busy particularly around midday before the saluting battery so try to arrive early.