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From exploring Valetta, it is clear to see there is so much history embedded within the city. The physical evidence analysed in this field book barely scratches the surface of what can be seen within this city. However, from what has been looked at, the European ties along with its military and religious history are visible. Furthermore, the ability to bring this past into the present memory is evident and the efforts done to do this can be clearly seen. If more of Valetta was looked into it is highly expected that the same historical remembrance and recollection could be found.

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Lower Barrakka Gardens: Monument for Sir Alexander Ball

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Lower Barrakka Gardens: Monument for Sir Alexander Ball

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Photograph of the Sir Alexander Ball in the Lower Barrakka Gardens (https://www.123rf.com/photo_25621504_monument-to-sir-alexander-ball-in-the-lower-barrakka-gardens-valletta-malta.html)

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Lower Barrakka Gardens: Monument for Sir Alexander Ball

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Lower Barrakka Gardens: Monument for Sir Alexander Ball

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The biggest monument in the Lower Barrakka Gardens is the monument dedicated to Captain Alexander Ball. He is an important figure in Maltese history due to his role in helping to unite the Maltese factions and create the land blockade against the French. By 1814, the French no longer had control of the island nation of Malta. This victory was said to be because of Sir Alexander Ball and therefore the links to the British Empire where strengthened. By 1814, Malta was a part of the British Colony. Therefore, this monument has strong links to colonisation. even years after independence, this dedication to Sir Alexander Ball remains highlighting the remnants of the British Colony throughout Maltese Society. Despite its English links, however, the monuments neo-classical, Maltese limestone design allows the garden to still have an authentic Maltese feel to it.

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Lower Barrakka Gardens: The Statue of Enea

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Lower Barrakka Gardens: The Statue of Enea

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A photograph of the Statue of Enea (https://theculturetrip.com/europe/malta/articles/tour-vallettas-sculptures-statues/)

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Lower Barrakka Gardens: The Statue of Enea

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Lower Barrakka Gardens: The Statue of Enea

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The main statue that can be viewed is that of Enea more commonly known as Aeneas. This statue is one of the most recent ones to come to Malta, being presented by artist Attardi in 2003. Its connotations to Latin and Greek mythology once again show both past and present involvement and links to Europe. Attardi being the artist is also of importance as he placed a large focus on helping to promote Italian culture around the world. As a country, Malta accepts many Italian immigrants every year and has done for a long time. this sculpture therefore also reflects the recognition of Italian culture within Maltese society.

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A photograph of part of the Lower Barrakka Gardens  (http://www.malta.com/media/en/attraction/culture/garden-park/lower-barrakka-gardens/fountain-in-the-lower-barrakka-gardens.jpg)

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In connection to the Upper Barrakka Gardens, there is the Lower Gardens. These gardens are less saturated with monuments and statues and therefore not as busy. however, they still do have some notable features. Much like the upper Barrakka gardens, the lower one is situated with views of the Grand Harbour. Amongst the gardens are several plaques connected to significant historical events such as one dedicated to the Hungarian revolution. Although a place of historical remembrance, this garden still allows for a modern-day acknowledgement of international connections within Malta.  Neo-classical architecture can be witnessed along with a more modern improvement in terms of footpaths and fencing. This is another example of Valetta incorporating its rich historical past into modern society.

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Upper Barrakka Gardens: The Saluting Battery

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Upper Barrakka Gardens: The Saluting Battery

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Photograph of The Saluting Battery in Upper Barrakka Gardens (https://vassallohistory.files.wordpress.com/2013/09/image82.jpg)

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Upper Barrakka Gardens: The Saluting Battery

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Upper Barrakka Gardens: The Saluting Battery

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Another stand-out feature in the Upper Barrakka Gardens is the Saluting Battery. being built in the 16th century, it fits in with the rest of the early Valletta city plan. its purpose was for defence again introducing ideas about the great siege and also reflecting the rest of the walled city.  The cannons that can be seen today were ones of a later addition and have been updated over the centuries to attempt to keep up with more modern warfare. the last update was seen in the early 20th century however the countrys role in combat was not high. instead Malta served as a large hospital base. In the second world war the guns were removed to be used in combat. Now redesigned, the guns that can be seen on the saluting Battery give remembrance to all who lost their lives in both of Maltas Sieges and also pay homage to both the World Wars. here Maltas historical transnational connections are clearly seen.

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Photograph of the sculpture Les Gavroches https://culturemalta.org/upper-barrakka-gardens-valletta-2/

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One notable feature of the upper Barrakka Gardens is the Les Gavroche's monument. this monument is actually a replica of the original as that has now been relocated to the National Museum of Fine Arts in Malta where it remains. The replica still gives the garden the same sense that the original did whilst being able to protect the statue from further weathering. Sciortino's bronze model depicts three Parisian figures. the name Gavroche comes from the character in the fictional tale of Les Misérables and Gavroche has since become a synonym for street children. It is said to be a portrayal of innocence, hope and freedom. Being such an important piece of art, a replica was gifted to Queen Elizabeth II in 1951, during the time of which Malta was under British Rule. This poses a juxtaposition as it now links the statue to colonialism which can be considered the opposite of freedom.

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Photograph of the Upper Barrakka Gardens (https://culturemalta.org/upper-barrakka-valletta/)

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The Upper Barrakka Gardens located in the southeastern part of the city are one of two distinct gardens in Valetta (the second being the Lower Barrakka Gardens). The location of the gardens provides a clear view of Valetta's Grand Harbour. Once again, the Maltese Limestone can be noted and its architecture dates back to the 16th century. reflections of the past are seen in the architecture with its gated walls portraying the gardens once exclusivity for the Knights that occupied Malta. Many a monument and statue can also be found throughout the gardens giving memory to numerous people and events of Malta's past.

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Photograph of the Siege Bell War Memorial (https://www.guidememalta.com/en/monuments-explained-siege-bell-memorial-valletta)

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Malta has had two Great Sieges in its history, the second being a period of three years during World War Two, including a 154-day period of continuous bombing in early 1942.  It is reported that this involved over "15,000 tons of bombs on the 90-squared island" (Cook, 2006) Every day since its resurrection in 1993 the siege bell rings at noon. this a loud reminder of the loss felt in the city and across the country. The location of the memorial is on a peaceful portion of the island allowing people to pay respect to the deceased. the monument encasing the bell is once again formed from Maltese Limestone; enhancing the importance of it as a part of Malta.

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Photograph of the Great Siege Monument (https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/81439/remembering_daphne_caruana_galizia_with_flowers#.Xr1pei_MxQI)

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The Great Siege Monument is located in the great siege square in the centre of Valetta. It is one of many dedications to the Great Siege of Malta that occurred in the 16th century. the siege consisted of an attack from the Ottoman Empire that was withheld by the knights who occupied Malta at the time.  In the battle, many Maltese lost their lives and this monument represents that. However, the monument has a deeper meaning. It can be said that the monument took on a new identity of independence. This perhaps links back to the siege and the defending of the country.  Being colonised can have an impact on a nation's identity so the link between the search for independence and a historical event is a representation of the Country trying to get back in touch with its past when it was not a colonised state.

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St Johns Co-Cathedral: The Flemish Tapestries 

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St Johns Co-Cathedral: The Flemish Tapestries 

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Image of one of the Flemish Tapestries. (https://vassallohistory.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/image34.jpg)

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St Johns Co-Cathedral: The Flemish Tapestries 

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St Johns Co-Cathedral: The Flemish Tapestries 

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The Flemish Tapestries are another notable feature of St Johns Co-Cathedral. They were a gift in 1697 from the Arbonese Grand Master Perellos y Roccaful once again showing Malta's European connections. Furthermore, the religious imagery of the tapestries also indicated towards the connection being due to the Roman Catholic importance of the 17th century.

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St Johns Co-Cathedral: The Chapel of Aragon 

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St Johns Co-Cathedral: The Chapel of Aragon 

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Photograph of the Chapel of Aragon (https://vassallohistory.files.wordpress.com/2014/06/aragon.jpg)

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St Johns Co-Cathedral: The Chapel of Aragon

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St Johns Co-Cathedral: The Chapel of Aragon

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The Chapel of Aragon is one of nine chapels in the cathedral. Alike most of the other chapels, this one is dedicated to a language. Aragon is a Spanish region and therefore the chapel is in relationship to the country's north-western Neighbour Spain. The Chapel is also alike to the others in its main dedication of individual saints. within the chapel of Aragon, there are several depictions of St George. St George is an important figure in Malta due to his links to the roman catholic church and also the relationship between England and Malta. The current day Malta Flag itself depicts St Georges cross. this indicates why the Chapel of Aragon, what can be considered the most important of the chapels in the cathedral, is adorned with images of St George.

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Photograph of St Johns Co-Cathedral (lonely planet)

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St John's Cathedral is a 16th century Roman Catholic cathedral in the heart of Valetta. Its name reflects its dedication to St John Baptiste. The Cathedral is a building of high importance within Malta 98% of the population being of the Roman Catholic faith.  Its baroque architecture built with Maltese limestone mirrors much of the rest of the city. The cathedral is filled with artworks and monuments. Such artefacts not only represent the religious nature of the city and country but also shed light on the history of the nation. Once being the "stronghold of the Knights of St John." (Chapman and Cassar, 2004).

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Map of the city of Valetta (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Valletta,+Malta/@35.8984892,14.5087876,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x130e45281d8647c5:0x745ad38ee242c917!8m2!3d35.8989085!4d14.5145528)

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Map of the country Malta (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Malta/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x130e45281d8647c5:0xf582d86136be4239?sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwiU0KO2wbTpAhUxVBUIHT1vBk8Q8gEwDnoECAsQAQ)

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Photograph of Valetta City Gate (https://www.architecturalrecord.com/articles/11646-valletta-city-gate)

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Malta is an archipelago located in the central Mediterranean.  The European island nation lies south of Italy and north of Libya. Malta has a population of 441,394 (Worldometer, 2020)

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Valetta is the capital city of Malta located on the south-east of the country's main island. It is home to 320 monuments within its 0.55km of land, this alongside its rich Baroque architecture making it a UNESCO world heritage site. Due to this, it is a huge tourist attraction for Malta as well as housing bustling residential and business areas.

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Monuments are key aspects of any city as they represent "politics and public life" (Johnson, 1995). With Valetta having so many there is many a one that can be looked towards to examine both the political and public life of the city. They allow for both a view of the City as it is today and also offer a window into its past. In addition to this, the monuments also portray a huge aspect of national identity and therefore help to show an overall image of Malta.

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Valetta City Gate is located on the west side of the city and is often named the gateway to the past.  In comparison to a lot of Malta's buildings, the final product was only completed in 2015, costing a total of €91 million. It was part of the grand harbour regeneration scheme. The building incorporates both historical and modern architecture, this reflecting both Valetta's strong sense of tradition and dedication to its past whilst also reflecting its evolvement into the modern cosmopolitan society it's become.
Malta is "made up almost exclusively of limestone" (Shembri, 1993). This rock has therefore provided the majority of buildings with the material to be made. Valetta City Gate is included in this. By doing so it allows for an older Maltese feel even with its Modern architecture.