A 2.5-metre statue of Grand Master Jean de Valette has taken pride of place in the centre of a square created on the site of the former police station in Valletta.

The square, situated between St Catherine Church and the old theatre, is being surfaced and is expected to be named Piazza de Valette.

The 750kg statue is located just a few metres away from where the Grand Master laid the foundation stone of the city in 1566. It forms part of the City Gate project designed by Renzo Piano.

De Valette founded Valletta but the city has been shorn of a statue in his honour since the one located at the previous main entrance to the city, Porta Reale, was damaged during the war and removed.

The new statue has been made of silicon bronze by sculptor Joseph Chetcuti.

De Valette is shown wearing armour and holding the city’s plan in one hand and the sword of victory in the other.

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