Tritons’ Fountain is one of Malta's most famous landmarks, located in the square outside the City Gate of Valletta, in Floriana. This magnificent bronze fountain, built in 1959 and designed by sculptor Vincent Apap, features three mythological Tritons holding up a massive basin, symbolizing Malta's deep connection with the sea.
Welcome to Tritons’ Fountain, widely recognized as the central Tritons Fountain. Located in the heart of Floriana, Malta, this landmark is the main gateway for travelers entering the historic capital of Valletta.
Tritons’ Fountain stands in an open public square just outside the City Gate of Valletta, in Floriana (Il-Furjana), Malta. The square is spacious, flat, and free to visit around the clock, making it an easy first stop on any trip to the capital.
When visiting Tritons’ Fountain, visitors can easily explore surrounding historical landmarks and points of interest, including the Valletta City Gate and St. John’s Co-Cathedral.
Designed by Maltese sculptor Vincent Apap and completed in 1959, Tritons’ Fountain quickly became a symbol of Malta’s independence and national identity, and today anchors the entrance to Valletta’s UNESCO-listed old town.
For official updates and regional tourism information, visit the Malta Official Tourism Portal.
Official Name
Tritons’ Fountain
Attraction Type
Fountain / Monument
Google Rating
4.7 (28,583)
Plus Code
VGW5+783 Il-Furjana, Malta
Phone
N/A
Address
VGW5+783, Vjal Nelson, Il-Furjana, Malta
Open 24 hours daily
Spring: Pleasant weather, perfect for a stroll in the square
Summer: Enjoy the cool breeze and beautiful night illumination
Autumn: Mild weather, ideal for taking memorable photos
Winter: Experience the peaceful urban atmosphere
The fountain is located in an open public square and can be visited free of charge at any time.
Live conditions at Tritons' Fountain, Floriana — refreshed automatically so you can plan your visit.
No rain expected — a light layer is enough.
Bring a light jacket or sweater for the breeze.
Ideal for outdoor photos and a relaxed stroll through the square.
Conditions refresh automatically every few minutes.
As a public landmark, Tritons’ Fountain is completely free and open to all visitors.
Paid public parking is available outside the walls of Valletta.
Guided Tours
No official guided tours are provided, but many Valletta walking tours start here.
Just a 1-minute walk outside the Valletta City Gate to reach the fountain square.
Direct airport buses are available to the Valletta bus terminus.
Valletta's main bus terminus is adjacent to the fountain, where almost all buses to the capital stop.
Bus routes from all over Malta have services to the Valletta terminus.
The square is wide and flat, making it very suitable for walking to the City Gate.
It is recommended to park at the MCP Car Park and walk.
The fountain sits right at the Valletta bus terminus, just outside the City Gate.
Tritons’ Fountain was constructed in 1959, designed by renowned Maltese sculptor Vincent Apap and draughtsman Victor Anastasi. It was built to decorate the newly constructed bus terminus and quickly became a symbol of Malta's independence and national identity.
The main structure of the fountain consists of three bronze Triton figures jointly holding up a massive basin. Water overflows from the basin, creating beautiful cascades. The base is constructed from limestone, echoing the historical architectural style of the surroundings.
As a landmark outside Valletta's City Gate, Tritons’ Fountain is not only a popular photo spot for tourists but also a central square for local residents to gather, celebrate festivals, and host major public events.
The fountain underwent a comprehensive restoration between 2017 and 2018, removing years of grime and damage to restore the bronze statues to their original glory. The square was also redesigned to become a fully pedestrianized public space.
Beyond the bronze and water, the fountain carries decades of Maltese memory.
In Greek myth, Tritons were messenger-gods of the sea with the body of a fish and the torso of a man. Sculptor Vincent Apap reimagined three of them heaving up a great shell-shaped basin — a nod to Malta's enduring bond with the Mediterranean.
Unveiled in 1959, the fountain rose as Malta moved toward self-government and, later, full independence in 1964. For many Maltese it became an emblem of national identity.
For generations the fountain has been the threshold between the modern city and the fortified old town of Valletta, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.
A full restoration stripped decades of grime, repaired the bronze, and returned the square to pedestrians — a transformation locals still talk about.
A few simple habits keep this shared public space enjoyable for everyone.
The Tritons and basin are protected heritage. Please do not climb, sit on, or enter the water — it is decorative, not for swimming or drinking.
Use the public bins around the square. During festivals the area gets busy, so take your rubbish with you if bins are full.
Pigeons and gulls gather here. Enjoy them from a distance and avoid feeding them, which harms their health and the square.
Malta's sun is strong in summer. Carry water, use sunscreen, and take shade breaks — the square has limited natural shade.
The square hosts national celebrations. Check local listings and expect larger crowds on public holidays.
Malta has a Mediterranean climate. The table summarises typical conditions based on 1991–2020 climate normals — useful for planning what to wear and when to go.
| Season | Typical Weather | What to Wear | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | Mild and sunny, 15–22°C, occasional showers | Light layers, a light jacket | Excellent for walking tours and photography before the summer crowds. |
| Summer (Jun–Sep) | Hot and dry, 28–34°C, intense sun | Breathable clothing, hat, sunscreen | Visit early morning or after sunset; carry water and seek shade. |
| Autumn (Oct–Nov) | Warm and settled, 20–26°C, some storms | Light layers, a foldable rain layer | Calm seas and soft light make this a favourite season. |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Mild and wet, 10–16°C, breezy | Warm jacket, waterproof layer | Quiet squares and green countryside; the fountain is lit and atmospheric. |
Figures are long-term averages, not a forecast. Always check the live weather above before you set out.
Explore Tritons’ Fountain and the surrounding historical area.
Arrive at the Valletta bus terminus; Tritons’ Fountain will be the first sight to greet you
Walk around the fountain to admire the details of the bronze Triton statues
Take a photo with the magnificent Valletta City Gate in the background
Cross the bridge through the City Gate and officially enter the historic old town of Valletta
Upon returning at night, enjoy the fountain's captivating illumination
Pick a route that matches your group and pace.
Let children watch the water play, then cross into Valletta for the gardens and a relaxed lunch. Keep the route flat and short.
Shoot the Tritons at blue hour and golden hour, then capture the City Gate contrast and harbour views.
The square is step-free and the Valletta City Gate area is wheelchair friendly with lifts to the gardens.
A focused visit for travellers with limited time.
Explore the fountain and the highlights of Valletta in one day.
Stand directly in front of the square to capture the spectacular view of the three Tritons holding the basin.
Use the modern Valletta City Gate as a backdrop to capture the blend of the ancient fountain and modern architecture.
When the lights turn on at night, the fountain glows golden, making it an excellent time for night photography.
Get close to capture the dynamic beauty of water cascading from the massive basin.
Spectacular Views of Tritons’ Fountain
Fountain panorama
Triton statue close-up
Night fountain
Square view
Basin details
City Gate background
Bronze texture
Illumination effects
Staying within the city walls offers an immersive historical experience, just a few minutes' walk from the fountain.
The district where the fountain is located offers many elegant hotels close to major attractions.
If you prefer a seaside resort vibe, Sliema is a great choice with convenient ferry access to Valletta.
Practical amenities around the fountain square — we list types only, not specific businesses, to stay independent and neutral.
Public toilets are available near the Valletta bus terminus and around the City Gate; some require a small coin fee.
Paid public car parks sit just outside Valletta's walls (such as MCP / Mateo Falcón). On-street parking in Floriana is limited and time-restricted.
A wide choice of cafés, snack bars and restaurants lines the approach to the City Gate and the streets of Floriana and Valletta.
Accommodation ranges from boutique hotels inside Valletta's walls to larger resorts a short bus ride away in Sliema and St. Julian's.
Convenience stores and small supermarkets are scattered around Floriana and the Valletta side of the gate for water, snacks and essentials.
Fuel stations and electric-vehicle charging points are found on the main approaches to Valletta and across the Grand Harbour area.
Reviews can be viewed via Google Maps.
A perfect landmark before entering Valletta. The fountain looks absolutely magnificent, especially when lit up at night.
A huge square and very clean. You see this spectacular fountain right after getting off the bus, leaving a deep impression.
One of Malta's iconic structures. Sitting by the fountain, resting and watching people go by feels very relaxing.
After the renovation, the whole square became a pedestrian zone, free from the previous crowds and exhaust fumes. Perfect for taking photos.
The three Triton statues are lifelike, and the combination of bronze and water shows Malta's close connection to the sea.
Although just a fountain, it is the starting point of every trip to the capital Valletta and carries the memories of this city.
VGW5+783, Vjal Nelson, Il-Furjana, Malta
For official updates and regional tourism information, visit the Malta Official Tourism Portal.
Tritons’ Fountain is located in Floriana (Il-Furjana), Malta, immediately outside the City Gate of Valletta.
Yes, Tritons’ Fountain is a public monument and is free to visit year-round, open 24 hours a day.
The fountain stands in an open public square and is accessible 24 hours a day, every day of the year.
It is about a 1-minute walk from the Valletta City Gate and sits right next to the Valletta bus terminus; direct airport buses also stop nearby.
It was designed by the Maltese sculptor Vincent Apap together with draughtsman Victor Anastasi, and was completed in 1959.
Right beside it is the Valletta City Gate, and within a short walk are St. John’s Co-Cathedral, the Upper Barrakka Gardens, and Republic Square in Valletta.
Valletta is a fortified city with a rocky coastline rather than sandy beaches. For swimming, the closest spots are the Sliema waterfront and Exiles Bay (a short ferry or walk across the harbour), with larger sandy beaches such as St. Julian’s, Mellieħa and Golden Bay a bus ride away.
The square faces open sky, so golden hour and blue hour give the warmest light on the bronze Tritons, while after sunset the fountain is illuminated and reflective — ideal for night photography. Mornings are the quietest.
Authoritative government and heritage references for Tritons’ Fountain and Malta.