Inquisitor's Palace: A Journey Through Maltese History
Explore the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu, Malta: a unique journey through history, architecture, and Maltese culture.
Step back in time at the Inquisitor's Palace, located in the heart of Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta. This unique landmark is one of the few surviving palaces of its kind and the only one open to the public. For over two centuries, it served as the seat of the Maltese Inquisition, offering a glimpse into a complex period of Maltese history. Originally constructed as a courthouse known as the Castellania around 1530, the building was offered to the first Inquisitor, Mgr Pietro Dusina, in 1574. Over time, it was transformed into a Roman palazzo, reflecting the architectural tastes of its high-ranking residents. Successive inquisitors renovated the palace, resulting in a somewhat labyrinthine plan. The palace also features a small courtyard with a Gothic groin vault, a remnant of the original Castellania. Explore the palace's many rooms, including the courtroom, prison cells, and the Inquisitor's private chambers. The palace also houses the National Museum of Ethnography, displaying religious artifacts and offering insights into Maltese culture and traditions shaped by the Inquisition. The Inquisitor's Palace provides a comprehensive look at a significant chapter in Malta's past. It is a Grade 1 national monument, attesting to its cultural and historical importance.
Local tips
- Allow at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the palace and its museum.
- Check the Heritage Malta website for updated opening hours and any special events.
- Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid crowds.
- Combine your visit with a stroll through the historic streets of Birgu.
A brief summary to Inquisitor's Palace
- Triq il-Mina l-Kbira, Birgu Triq il-Mina, l-Kbira, Birgu, BRG 1023, MT
- +35621827006
Getting There
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Walking
From the Birgu waterfront, walk inland towards the center of town. The Inquisitor's Palace is located on Triq il-Mina l-Kbira, a short walk from Victory Square. The walk is generally flat and takes about 5-10 minutes from the waterfront.
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Public Transport
From Valletta, take bus number 2, 3, or 4 to Birgu. Get off at the 'Riche' bus stop, which is a short walk (2 minutes) from the Inquisitor's Palace. A single bus ticket costs €3. From the bus stop, walk along Triq il-Mina l-Kbira to reach the palace.
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Ferry
Take the ferry from Valletta to Cospicua (Three Cities). From the Cospicua ferry terminal, it's approximately a 20-minute walk to the Inquisitor's Palace. Follow the waterfront promenade towards Birgu, then turn inland towards the center of town. The ferry costs €2.50 for a single trip.
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Taxi
Taxis are readily available in Valletta. A taxi ride from Valletta to Birgu typically costs between €16-€20 and takes approximately 15 minutes. Ask the driver to take you to the Inquisitor's Palace on Triq il-Mina l-Kbira.
