One World - Protecting the most significant buildings, monuments and features of Valletta (9)

This monument is the work of the celebrated Maltese sculptor Antonio Sciortino. It was inaugurated on the 8th May 1927.

This bronze monument has a marble base and commemorates the Great Siege of 1565. The allegorical classical figures represent Fortitude as a bold male, with a bare torso and the lower parts clad in armour as a god of war. He is holding a shield with the Maltese flag and a sword to depict courage in battle with the eight-pointed cross on the helmet. On either side of Fortitude are two female figures, slightly shorter than the central one. Faith is holding the Pope's Triple Crown (trerenium), and Hope is holding the severed head of evil Medusa.

At the base is the Latin inscription; Virtute et Constantia (through Daring and Persistence), which are the words used by Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette in his dispatch to Philip II of Spain.

The Great Siege Monument dominates the small square in front of the law courts.

Mepa scheduled this patriotic monument as a Grade 1 national monument as per Government Notice number 276/08 in the Government Gazette dated March 28, 2008.