Inquisitor's Palace: A Journey Through Maltese History and Faith

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Explore the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu: a unique museum showcasing Malta's history, the Inquisition, and Maltese culture.

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Inquisitor's Palace

The Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu, Malta, is a unique historical site, 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. Today, it serves as a museum, offering a glimpse into the lives of the inquisitors and the impact of the Inquisition on Maltese society.

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

Local tips

Visit during the week to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience.
Combine your visit with a walk through the historic streets of Birgu to fully appreciate the city's charm.
Check the Heritage Malta website for any special events or temporary exhibitions taking place at the palace.
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the palace and museum thoroughly.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From Valletta, take bus routes 2, 3, 4, 124 or 213. These buses will drop you off at bus stops within a few minutes' walk of the Inquisitor's Palace, such as 'Riche' (2 min walk), 'Fortini' (3 min walk) or 'Bieb' (9 min walk). A single bus ticket costs €2.50. Alternatively, consider purchasing a Tallinja card for multiple journeys.
Ferry

From Valletta, a ferry service operates from Lascaris Wharf to Cospicua Dockyard Creek. From the Cospicua ferry stop, it is approximately a 15-minute walk to the Inquisitor's Palace. The ferry costs €2 for a single journey.
Walking

From the center of Birgu, the Inquisitor's Palace is easily accessible on foot. It is located on Triq il-Mina, l-Kbira, a short walk from the main square. The walk is generally flat and takes only a few minutes.
Parking

Limited parking is available directly in front of the Inquisitor's Palace on a first-come, first-served basis. Ample parking can be found outside the city walls. A resident car park inside the city walls is available to visitors between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm.

Discover more about Inquisitor's Palace

Located in the heart of Birgu (Vittoriosa), the Inquisitor's Palace is a remarkable architectural complex that reflects centuries of Maltese history. Constructed in the 1530s as the Castellania, a civil law court, the building was later offered to the first Inquisitor of Malta, Pietro Dusina, in 1574, becoming the Palazzo del Sant'Officio.For over two centuries, the palace served as the headquarters and residence of the Inquisitors, who held significant power as judges of the Holy Office and Apostolic Delegates representing the Vatican. Each Inquisitor transformed the palace, resulting in a blend of architectural styles, with Baroque features added in the 18th century. The palace also functioned as a tribunal and prison.Following the French occupation in 1798, the palace was repurposed as a military hospital, mess hall, and convent. Since 1966, it has been a museum, known as the National Museum of Ethnography since 1992. Visitors can explore the Inquisitor's chambers, kitchen, prison cells, torture room, and tribunal hall. The museum also showcases the impact of religion on Maltese culture, with exhibits dedicated to the Inquisition's influence.The Inquisitor's Palace stands as a testament to Malta's complex past, offering a unique perspective on the history of the Inquisition and its impact on Maltese society.