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.
The Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu, Malta, offers a unique glimpse into the island's past, serving as the seat of the Maltese Inquisition from 1574 to 1798. Originally built as a courthouse in the 1530s, it evolved into a Roman palazzo, showcasing a blend of architectural styles and housing a museum of ethnography.
A brief summary to Inquisitor's Palace
- Triq il-Mina l-Kbira, Birgu Triq il-Mina, l-Kbira, Birgu, BRG 1023, MT
- +35621827006
- Visit website
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.
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.
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