Triton Fountain: Valletta’s Most Iconic Meeting Point

The Tritons’ Fountain is a modern landmark located just outside the City Gate of Valletta, Malta’s capital city. Created in the mid-20th century, the fountain features three bronze Tritons supporting a circular basin and has become one of Valletta’s most recognisable meeting points. Closely linked to Malta’s maritime identity, the Tritons’ Fountain marks the symbolic entrance to the city and remains a central part of daily life in Valletta.

When you’re visiting Malta, chances are you’ll find yourself heading into Valletta. And before you even pass through the City Gate, you’ll be greeted by one of the capital’s most iconic landmarks, the Triton Fountain.

Sitting proudly outside Valletta’s main entrance since the late 1950s, the fountain has long been a popular meeting point, a resting spot, and one of the most photographed places in the city. After its restoration, the Triton Fountain Malta even became something of a social-media sensation, with visitors lining up to capture that perfect shot.

If you’ve ever wondered what makes the Triton Fountain Valletta Malta so beloved, here are some fascinating facts about this famous Valletta fountain, and why locals and travellers keep coming back.

At first glance, the Triton Fountain Valletta looks uniquely Maltese, but its artistic DNA tells a broader Mediterranean story. The sculptural trio was inspired by Rome’s Fontana delle Tartarughe, and its early base design borrowed from Fontana delle Naiadi. Only later did architect Victor Anastasi and sculptor Vincent Apap refine it into the iconic tripartite structure we see today.

Why Tritons? These mythical half-man, half-fish figures capture Malta’s identity as a seafaring nation. Drawn from Greek and Roman mythology, Tritons symbolised mastery over the sea, guiding sailors, calming storms, and protecting those who travelled the waves. Positioned at the gateway to the capital, the fountain in Valletta reflects the island’s own story.

In 2011, Valletta’s City Gate redevelopment project nearly resulted in the Triton Fountain being relocated. The proposal was to move the entire structure to a nearby garden. The problem was that conservators warned that its underground supports, pipes, and reinforced-concrete elements were too fragile to survive the move. The plan was cancelled, saving the fountain Valletta residents know and love today.

During restoration works in 2017, conservators discovered traces of azurite blue paint on the Tritons’ surface. When the fountain was unveiled in 1959, the figures weren’t bronze-coloured at all, they were painted in striking blue, echoing the surrounding sea. The restoration reintroduced this original hue, revealing a detail many Maltese had never seen in their lifetime.

Beneath the Triton Fountain Malta, an entire network of underground chambers and passages spans more than 140 m². These hidden rooms house pumps, service controls, and essential water-flow systems that keep the Valletta fountain running smoothly.

With glowing sunsets and dramatic shadows, the Triton Fountain Valletta is one of the capital’s most photogenic spots.

Relax on the fountain’s edge and enjoy the lively atmosphere at Valletta’s gateway, where there’s almost always a bustle of people coming in and out of the city.

Pick up warm pastizzi or qassata while admiring the Valletta Triton Fountain, the perfect Malta combo.

The shifting sprays and movement of the Triton Fountain offer a surprisingly calming show. When there’s a gust of wind, you might get a quick sprinkle shower too, particulalry delightful in Malta’s hot summers.

As the main entry point to the capital, the fountain in Valletta makes the ideal meeting spot for any itinerary.

At night, the Triton Fountain Malta lights up beautifully, making it perfect for an evening stroll or romantic moment.

If you’re a guest at one of our award-winning AX Hotels in Sliema, Qawra, Rabat or Valletta, then reach out to our dedicated service team for tailored suggestions for your visit to Valletta in Malta, ensuring you make the most of your day in the capital.