Gozo's Old Prison: A Glimpse into the Past

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Explore Gozo's Old Prison in Victoria: Step back in time and discover the intriguing history etched in its ancient walls.

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Old Prison

The Old Prison in Victoria, Gozo, offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and experience the conditions of a 16th-century prison. Located within the Citadel, it features original graffiti etched by inmates and provides insight into the lives of those incarcerated within its walls.

A brief summary to Old Prison

Pjazza Katidral, Victoria, VCT 104, 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 Old Prison.

The Old Prison is part of a combined ticket that includes other Citadel museums, making it a worthwhile cultural excursion.
Look closely at the graffiti on the walls; they offer a unique glimpse into the lives and thoughts of past prisoners.
Visit during the off-season for a less crowded and more intimate experience.

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Getting There

Walking

The Old Prison is located within the Citadel in Victoria, Gozo. From the main square (Pjazza Indipendenza), enter the Citadel through the main gate. Walk straight ahead, passing the Courts of Justice on your left. The Old Prison is adjacent to the Courts of Justice, overlooking Cathedral Square. The entrance is a few steps up from the street.
Public Transport

From the Victoria Bus Terminus, walk towards the city center and follow signs for the Citadel. Enter the Citadel through the main gate. The Old Prison is a short walk from the entrance, adjacent to the Courts of Justice. A single bus ticket costs €2.50 and is valid for two hours, allowing for transfers. Several bus routes serve Victoria, including routes 301, 303, 322, and 323 from the Gozo ferry terminal.
Taxi

Taxis are readily available in Victoria. A short taxi ride from the Victoria Bus Terminus or another location within the city to the Citadel will cost approximately €8-€12. Ask the driver to drop you off at the Citadel entrance. From there, follow the walking directions.
Parking

If driving, there are several parking options in Victoria. There is a free parking lot next to the bus terminal and paid parking nearby for €2 for the day. Alternatively, there is a private car park at the Citadel for a fee of €2. Parking is also available along the streets of Victoria. From the parking area, walk to the Citadel entrance and follow the walking directions.

Discover more about Old Prison

Located within the Citadel of Victoria, Gozo, the Old Prison is the oldest surviving prison on the island. Operating from the mid-16th century to the early 20th century, it offers a compelling glimpse into the history of incarceration in Gozo. The prison is divided into two sections: the entrance hall, which served as a communal cell in the 19th century and now hosts an exhibition on fortifications, and a block with six individual cells.Initially, the Knights of St. John used the prison to house unruly members, including Fra Jean Parisot de La Valette, later Grand Master of Malta, who was imprisoned there for four months in 1538. The prison's walls are covered in graffiti, the largest known collection of historical graffiti in the Maltese Islands, offering insight into the lives of past inmates. These etchings include sea vessels, handprints, crosses, names, and dates.After the Knights were expelled, the prison continued to be used, and from the mid-19th century, it functioned alongside a newer prison. The Old Prison primarily housed individuals awaiting trial until it closed in 1962. Today, the Old Prison stands as a testament to Gozo's history, offering visitors a chance to explore well-preserved cells and ponder the stories etched within its walls.