Gozo's Old Prison: A Glimpse into History

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.