Inquisitor's Palace

In Birgu, also called Vittoriosa, the Inquisitor’s Palace traces Malta’s religious and judicial history inside a restored 16th-century building. It became the seat of the Maltese Inquisition in 1574 and served as its headquarters for more than two centuries, housing a tribunal, prison and inquisitor’s residence. Explore the courtrooms and cells, including the torture chamber, then look for the unexpected displays of hand-made cribs and 20th-century hats. Two routes cover different parts of the palace, so allow time to see both.

From courthouse to Inquisition headquarters

The palace began as a courthouse in the 16th century. In 1574 it became the seat of the Maltese Inquisition, known as the Palazzo del Sant’Officio, and remained in that role until 1798. The building brought together several functions: it was the inquisitor’s residence, a tribunal and a prison.

The inquisitors were representatives of the Roman Catholic Church’s Holy Office. Their presence connected religious authority with Malta’s courts and governance. The palace is now a museum covering this history and aspects of religious tradition on the island.

Rooms, courts and cells

The visit takes you through rooms used for the palace’s different purposes. Among them are tribunal spaces and prison cells, as well as the inquisitor’s private quarters. The building also had a chapel and library. Restored interiors help make sense of how a residence and a place of administration shared the same address.

The prison areas include a torture chamber. Some cell walls retain carvings made by prisoners. Look closely at the surfaces as you move through the rooms; these marks offer a personal detail within an institutional history. The palace’s layout is substantial, and following both routes gives you a fuller look around.