I took the shot on the left through an arch at the Lower Barracca last Saturday during a solo walking tour around this side of Valletta. The two others from the Lower Barracca balcony which runs along the city fortifications.
This 10 tonne bronze Bell memorial was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth and the President of Malta, Dr. Censu Tabone on 29 May 1992, the 50th anniversary of the awarding of the George Cross to the island of Malta for bravery in 1942. It is rung daily at noon. It honours the thousands of people who lost their lives in the WW II Siege of Malta, 1940 –1943.
At the foot of the bell tower is a bronze figure representing those who died in the siege.
Due to its strategic location in the middle of the Mediterranean, Malta has been subjected to many attacks and sieges. The two most significant are the Great Siege of 1565 and the siege by the Axis powers, Germany and Italy from 1940 to 1943. In both cases Malta was at the point of capitulation and starvation but persevered. More bombs were dropped on Malta during WWII than on Britain during the blitz. In the first six months of 1942 there was only one 24 hour period without an air raid.
Many thanks for looking and for the comments and fav's on yesterday's picture. Very much appreciated.
So many lovely colonnades and arches still standing so strong! Now who is lying here in state with arms under its head looking as if it is enjoying where it is?
Great collage- Jeff and I have seen a special on the military channel here a couple times about the siege of Malta during WWII. The Maltese impressed us with their courage and steadfastness. And we're glad they persevered.
