Ponsonby's Column, Grand Harbour Travel Guide

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Explore the remnants of Ponsonby's Column in Valletta, a historical landmark honoring a former Governor of Malta and offering a glimpse into the island's past.

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Ponsonby's Column

Ponsonby's Column, also known as Ponsonby's Cenotaph, once stood as a prominent monument in Valletta, Malta, commemorating Major-General Sir Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, a former Governor of Malta. Erected in 1838, it was unfortunately destroyed by lightning in 1864, leaving only its plinth, which can still be seen near Hastings Gardens.

A brief summary to Ponsonby's Column

VGX5+H33, Valletta, MT

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Ponsonby's Column.

Visit Hastings Gardens, where the plinth of Ponsonby's Column is located, to reflect on the monument's history.
Combine your visit with a walk around Valletta to explore other historical sites and enjoy the city's atmosphere.
Check out the views of the Marsamxett Harbour from Hastings Gardens, reminiscent of the column's original location.

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Explore Ponsonby's Column on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots near Ponsonby's Column, mapped for you.

Getting There

Walking

Ponsonby's Column's plinth is located near Hastings Gardens in Valletta. From the Valletta City Gate, walk straight along Republic Street. Turn left onto St. John Street, then continue onto Western Arch Street. Hastings Gardens will be on your left. The plinth is within the gardens. This walk is approximately 10 minutes. There are no costs involved.
Public Transport

From the Valletta Bus Terminal, walk towards the city center. Follow signs for 'Upper Barrakka Gardens'. Hastings Gardens, where the plinth is located, is adjacent to the Upper Barrakka Gardens. The walk is approximately 15 minutes. A single bus fare costs around €2.

Discover more about Ponsonby's Column

Ponsonby's Column, though no longer standing in its full form, holds a significant place in Valletta's history. The column was built in 1838 to honor Major-General Sir Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, who served as the Governor of Malta. Ponsonby, an Anglo-Irish aristocrat, was appointed Governor on February 15, 1827, and resigned in 1836 while in England. He passed away suddenly on January 11 of the following year.The monument, also known as Ponsonby's Cenotaph, originally stood 70 feet high on St. Andrew's Bastion, offering views of Marsamxett Harbour. Its design featured a Doric column topped with an urn. An inscription in Latin read: "FREDERICO CAVENDISH PONSONBY MELITAE AN. IX. PRAEFECTO CIVIUM AMOR MDCCCXXXVIII," which translates to "To Frederick Cavendish Ponsonby, for nine years Governor of Malta, from the love of the citizens, 1838".In January 1864, lightning struck the column, leading to its demolition. The plinth survived and was moved in November 1888 to St. Michael's Bastion, near Hastings Gardens, to make way for new gun emplacements. An inscription was added to the plinth, noting the column's destruction by lightning. The plinth suffered damage during World War II but has been restored several times, most recently in 2013 with sponsorship from the Bank of Valletta. Today, the plinth is a Grade 1 national monument. While only the base of the column remains, it serves as a reminder of Malta's colonial past and the figures who shaped its destiny.