Background

Gozo's Old Prison: A Glimpse into History

Explore Gozo's Old Prison in Victoria: Uncover centuries of history etched in stone within the Citadel walls.

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The Old Prison in Victoria, Gozo, offers a unique look into 16th to 20th-century prison life. Located within the Citadel, it features graffiti-covered walls and well-preserved cells. Once used to house rowdy Knights, it now stands as a historical landmark.

A brief summary to Old Prison

Local tips

  • Purchase a joint ticket to access all Heritage Malta sites within the Citadel for a comprehensive historical experience.
  • Visit during the off-season for a less crowded and more intimate experience.
  • Take your time to examine the graffiti closely; they offer a unique window into the lives of past inmates.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Old Prison is located within the Citadel in Victoria. From the Victoria Bus Terminus, walk north towards the Citadel. Enter the Citadel through the main gate and follow the signs to Cathedral Square. The Old Prison is adjacent to the Courts of Justice. The walk is approximately 8 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    Take any bus to the Victoria Bus Terminus in Gozo. From Mġarr Ferry Terminal, Bus 301 is the most direct route to Victoria. From the Victoria Bus Terminus, walk to the Citadel as described in the 'Walking' guidance. A single bus ticket costs €2 during the day and €3 at night.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are available from Mġarr Ferry Terminal to the Citadel in Victoria. The ride takes approximately 15 minutes and costs around €15. From the taxi drop-off point near the Citadel entrance, follow the walking directions to the Old Prison.

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Discover more about Old Prison

Located in Victoria, Gozo, within the Citadel walls, the Old Prison provides a compelling glimpse into the island's past. Operating from the mid-16th century to the early 20th century, it stands adjacent to the Courts of Justice, to which it was originally connected. The prison is divided into two main sections: an entrance hall, which served as a communal cell in the 19th century, and a block with six individual cells. The entrance hall now hosts an exhibition on graffiti found in Gozo. The individual cells, surrounding a central courtyard, remain largely in their original state, complete with massive doors and heavy locks. One of the prison's most notable features is the graffiti etched into the walls by inmates. These carvings depict ships, crosses, handprints, names, dates, and other figures, offering insight into the prisoners' lives and thoughts. The Knights of St. John used the prison for disruptive members, including Fra Jean Parisot de La Valette, later Grand Master of Malta, who was imprisoned here for attacking a man. After the Knights were expelled, the British continued to use the prison until 1962. Today, meticulously restored, the Old Prison serves as a museum, allowing visitors to explore Gozo's history through the eyes of its former inmates.

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