Inquisitor's Palace, Cottonera Travel Guide

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Discover Malta's dark past at the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu, the only palace of its kind open to the public, showcasing the history of the Inquisition.

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Inquisitor's Palace

Explore the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu, Malta, one of the few surviving palaces of its kind open to the public. Originally built in the 1530s as a courthouse, it became the seat of the Maltese Inquisition from 1574 to 1798. Wander through its halls and courtyards, and discover the history of the Inquisition in Malta.

A brief summary to Inquisitor's Palace

Triq il-Mina, l-Kbira, Birgu, BRG 1023, MT
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Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
Thursday 9 am-5 pm
Friday 9 am-5 pm
Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Sunday 9 am-5 pm

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Wear comfortable shoes, as you'll be doing a lot of walking through the palace's many rooms and courtyards.
Check the Heritage Malta website for updated opening hours and any special events or exhibitions.
Consider visiting in the morning to avoid crowds, especially during peak tourist season.
Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions in Birgu, such as the Malta Maritime Museum and Fort St. Angelo.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Valletta, take bus routes 2, 3, 4, 124, or 213 to Birgu. Get off at the 'Riche' bus stop, which is a 2-minute walk (72 meters) from the Inquisitor's Palace. A single bus ticket costs €2.50.
Ferry

Take the Valletta Ferry to Cospicua (Bormla). From the ferry landing in Cospicua, it's approximately a 15-minute walk to the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu. A single ferry ticket costs €2.00.
Walking

From the center of Birgu, the Inquisitor's Palace is easily accessible on foot. It's located on Triq il-Mina, l-Kbira. Follow the signs or use a map app to guide you through the narrow streets.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available throughout Malta. A taxi ride from Valletta to Birgu typically costs between €15-€20 and takes approximately 25 minutes. Parking is available near the palace but can be limited. Parking outside the city walls is usually available.

Discover more about Inquisitor's Palace

The Inquisitor's Palace, located in Birgu (Vittoriosa), Malta, offers a unique glimpse into the history of the Holy Roman Inquisition on the island. Constructed in the 1530s as the Castellania, a civil law court, the building was offered to the first Inquisitor, Pietro Dusina, in 1574, becoming the Palazzo del Sant'Officio. For over 200 years, it served as the Inquisitor's residence, courthouse, and prison.Throughout the centuries, the palace underwent numerous transformations, reflecting the architectural preferences of its residents. Inquisitors expanded and embellished the building, gradually converting it into a Roman palazzo with Baroque influences. Today, a small courtyard with a Gothic groin vault cloister is all that remains of the original Castellania.After the French occupation in 1798, the palace served various purposes, including a military hospital, a mess hall, and a convent. Since 1966, it has been a museum, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the inquisitors and the workings of the Inquisition. The Inquisitor's Palace stands as a rare survivor, with most similar buildings destroyed or left to decay. It also houses the National Museum of Ethnography, displaying religious items and artifacts related to Maltese culture.Visitors can explore the Inquisitor's bedroom, kitchen cellar, courtyards, prison yard, tribunal hall, prison cells, and even a torture room. The museum also hosts events and educational sessions.