Inquisitor's Palace: A Journey Through Maltese History and Faith
Explore the Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu: a unique museum showcasing Malta's history, the Inquisition, and Maltese culture.
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
- +35621827006
- Visit website
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.
Getting There
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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