Old Prison Travel Guide

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.