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

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.