The Inquisitor's Palace (from 1574) — the world's only inquisition palace open to visitors. Tribunal hall and prison cells with graffiti carved by prisoners. Two inquisitors later became popes.
The Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu is the only inquisition palace in the world open to the public. From 1574 to 1798 — for over two centuries — successive papal inquisitors resided here, overseeing the purity of Catholic faith in Malta. The Inquisition on Malta operated alongside the Order of the Knights, creating a triangle of power: Grand Master, bishop, and inquisitor.
The palace preserves the tribunal hall where interrogations were conducted. The accused stood before the inquisitor seated on a raised platform, surrounded by symbols of ecclesiastical authority. On the lower floors are prison cells whose walls are covered in graffiti carved by prisoners — crosses, ships, counting of days, desperate prayers. These inscriptions are one of the most moving elements of the museum.
The post of inquisitor in Malta was a springboard to higher office. Two Maltese inquisitors later became popes: Fabio Chigi (Alexander VII) and Antonio Pignatelli (Innocent XII). The Malta posting was lucrative and prestigious — the inquisitor lived in luxury, maintained his own court, and enjoyed immunity from the Order.
Practical tip: Entry EUR 6. Make sure to descend to the prison cells and examine the wall graffiti — the most authentic trace of those who suffered here. Combine with St. Lawrence Church next door.
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Entry: 6 EUR. Don't miss the prisoner cells with wall graffiti.
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The Auberge d'Angleterre in Birgu — residence of the Order's English knights, one of the oldest auberges in Malta. The English langue collapsed when Henry VIII broke with the Catholic Church.
Birgu (Vittoriosa) — the Knights of Malta's first capital, defenders of the Great Siege of 1565. The best-preserved historic town with a waterfront unchanged since the Order's time.
St. Lawrence Church (from 1530) — the Knights' first conventual chapel in Malta, with a Mattia Preti painting and knightly tombstones. As beautiful as the Co-Cathedral, but without the crowds.