Inquisitor's Palace

The Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu is a rare and remarkably well-preserved architectural gem, being one of the few surviving Inquisition palaces in the world. Originally built in the 1530s as a civil law court known as the Castellania, it was converted into the official residence and tribunal of the Roman Inquisition in 1574. For over 200 years, it was the seat of power for 62 successive inquisitors, many of whom went on to become influential cardinals or popes in Rome. The sprawling complex features a unique blend of grand residential spaces, a formal courtroom, and a grim prison wing complete with original cells and a torture chamber. Following the abolition of the Inquisition by Napoleon in 1798, the building was used for various purposes, including a military hospital during the British era. Today, it operates as a national museum of ethnography, offering visitors a fascinating look into Malta’s spiritual heritage, folk customs, and the darker side of religious justice.

Nearby cities

Vittoriosa (Birgu)

Birgu, also called Vittoriosa, is one of the Three Cities, renowned for its vital role during the Great Siege of 1565.

Żabbar

Żabbar, also known as Città Hompesch, is one of the largest towns in southern Malta, with a strong religious and cultural heritage.

Floriana

Floriana is a fortified town and suburb of Valletta, known for its large squares, gardens, and historical granaries.

Tigné Point

A modern residential and commercial area on a peninsula.

Ta' Xbiex

Ta' Xbiex is a small town known for hosting many foreign embassies, its marinas, and its scenic seafront.

Pembroke

Pembroke is Malta's newest town, known for its past as a British military base and its rocky coastline.

Mqabba

Mqabba is renowned for its stone quarries, which extract the high-quality globigerina limestone, and for its paleo-Christian catacombs.

Siġġiewi (Città Ferdinand)

Siġġiewi is a rural town known for its vast fields, farmhouses, and proximity to Buskett Gardens and Dingli Cliffs.

Żebbuġ, Malta

Żebbuġ, also known as Città Rohan, is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for its grand parish church and its feasts.

Żurrieq

Żurrieq is one of the oldest towns in Malta, known for the Blue Grotto, the Xarolla Windmill, and its catacombs.

History & landmarks

Xgħajra Promenade

A quiet coastal promenade.

Santa Luċija Parish Church

The parish church at the heart of the Santa Luċija residential estate.

The Sea Shell House

A unique house with a facade completely covered in decorative sea shells.

Żonqor Point

The northern tip of Marsaskala Bay.

Ta' Qali Crafts Village

Crafts village with glass blowing.

Nature

Ta' l-Agħara Hill

A flat hilltop near Ħal Qormi.

St. Peter's Pool

A natural rock pool popular with cliff divers.

Blue Grotto

A complex of seven sea caves famous for the brilliant blue water.

More places

Fort St. Angelo

Large bastioned fort in Birgu.

Kordin III Temples

A lesser-known but important megalithic temple complex.

MaltaPost Head Office

The central sorting hub and head office for the national postal service.

Toly Products

A leading manufacturer of luxury packaging for the cosmetics industry.

St. Julian's Tower

A coastal watchtower repurposed as a restaurant.

Farsons Brewery

Malta's largest beverage producer, the maker of Cisk lager and Kinnie.

Luqa Parish Church

A large baroque parish church dedicated to St.

Mensija Sanctuary

A unique cave-church with a rich local legend.