Triton Fountain — Attraction in Valletta

Beautiful fountain placed right before Valletta's City Gates. Expecially suggestive at night when lit up with very nice light effects. It consists of three bronze Tritons holding up a platter, balanced on a concentric base built out of concrete and clad in travertine slabs. The fountain is one of Malta's most important Modernist landmarks.

Designed by the sculptor Vincent Apap and the designer Victor Anastasi, the fountain became operational on 16 May 1959. It was damaged when the platter collapsed in 1978, and repair works done in 1986 did not fit in with its original design.

The fountain deteriorated in subsequent decades, until the bronze figures were dismantled and restored in 2017. Works were ready by the end of the year, and the fountain and piazza were officially inaugurated on 12 January 2018.

The fountain consists of three bronze figures of mythological Tritons holding up a platter. Two of the Tritons are sitting, while the third one is kneeling, and they are balanced on a seaweed base. The face of each Triton is visible when viewed from City Gate. Their posture gives a sense of strength as well as spiral movement, which contribute to the monumentality of the fountain. The water jets were also designed in order to convey the sense of movement. The figures of the Tritons represent Malta's links with the sea, and their design was inspired by the Fontana delle Tartarughe in Rome. After the fountain's platter was damaged in the 1980s, a bronze pillar depicting a flight of seagulls was added to the fountain to support its weight.[1] This will not be included once the current restoration is complete. The fountain was designed to blend in with Kingsgate (pictured in the 1900s), which was demolished in 1964

The base of the fountain was originally designed with a quadripartite plan inspired by Rome's Fontana delle Naiadi, but this was later changed to a tripartite concentric plan. The base is constructed out of reinforced concrete, and it consists of four concentric water basins. The exterior is clad with a total of 730 tons of travertine slabs from Rome. The outer slabs of the vasca intermedia are decorated with a relief representing foliage.

Beneath the structure of the fountain, there are a series of passages and chambers which allow for maintenance and inspection and connect the fountain to the water and electrical services. These underground passages and a pump room cover an area of over 140 m2 (1,500 sq ft), and are accessible through a manhole in the pavement near the fountain.

The fountain was designed so as to avoid contrast with the nearby bastions, as well as to blend with the Victorian-era Kingsgate. The gate was demolished five years after the fountain was completed....

Triton's Fountain, located in the heart of Valletta, Malta, is a captivating masterpiece that effortlessly blends history, art, and grandeur. This iconic fountain stands as a testament to the city's rich heritage and serves as a symbol of beauty and sophistication.

The first thing that strikes you when you approach Triton's Fountain is its sheer size and grandeur. The colossal bronze statues of Tritons, mythical sea creatures from Greek mythology, are perched high above the massive water basins. Their imposing presence is a sight to behold, and they lend an air of regal elegance to the surroundings.

The fountain's design is a harmonious fusion of Baroque and Neoclassical elements, reflecting the architectural diversity that characterizes Valletta itself. The water jets that shoot high into the air create a mesmerizing display, especially when illuminated at night. It's a sight that evokes a sense of wonder and admiration, making Triton's Fountain a must-visit attraction, both day and night.

Surrounding the fountain is a spacious square, providing ample seating and leisure space for locals and tourists alike. It's a perfect spot to sit and people-watch while enjoying the soothing sound of the flowing water.

Triton's Fountain is not only a visual masterpiece but also an important historical and cultural landmark. It has witnessed countless events and gatherings throughout Malta's history, and it continues to play a central role in the city's social and cultural life.

In conclusion, Triton's Fountain is a majestic jewel in the crown of Valletta. Its grandeur, artistry, and historical significance make it an essential stop for anyone visiting this charming city. Whether you're admiring its beauty during the day or basking in its illuminated splendor at night, Triton's Fountain is sure to leave an indelible impression, reminding you of Malta's rich cultural heritage and...

The Triton Fountain is a fountain located on the periphery of the City Gate of Valletta, Malta. It consists of three bronze Tritons holding up a huge basin, balanced on a concentric base built out of concrete and clad in travertine slabs. The fountain is one of Malta's most important Modernist landmarks. Designed and constructed between 1952 and 1959 under no less than three governing bodies, and conceived jointly by eminent sculptor Chevalier Vincent Apap and his collaborator draughtsman Victor Anastasi, the fountain became unofficially operational on Saturday 16 May 1959. The fountain was used as a stage for National Celebrations named 'Mill-Maltin għall-Maltin' and is popularly believed that it might have contributed to the dramatic collapse of the sculptural group on Wednesday 1 March 1978. This statement has been technically proven incorrect since the sculptural group contained no structural armature to bear the weight of the water laden basin, which subsequently collapsed due to metal fatigue and creep. The sculptural group was repaired by Malta Drydocks engineers between January 1986 and April 1987. During this intervention a central sculptural addition consisting of three seagulls and seaweed (also the work of Chev. Apap) was introduced within the sculptural group, however this arrangement subsequently diminished the role of the gigantic Triton figures. The fountain deteriorated in subsequent decades, until the bronze figures were dismantled and restored in 2017. Works were ready by the end of the year, and the fountain and piazza were officially inaugurated on 12 January...