Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu is a historic house museum and Malta’s national ethnography museum, with rooms that trace the building’s former civic and inquisitorial roles. It’s a heritage-focused outing from Marsaskala for guests staying at Cerviola Hotel.
- Location: Main Gate Street, Birgu BRG 1023, Vittoriosa, Malta.
- Museum highlights: Historic rooms, a prison complex and the National Textiles Collection.
- Access: Partially accessible; some areas have mobility-related barriers.
- Tickets: Heritage Malta lists several admission rates, with free entry for infants aged 1–5 and eligible Heritage Malta members and passport holders.
Where the Inquisitor's Palace is
Inquisitor’s Palace stands on Main Gate Street in Birgu, also known as Vittoriosa. The address listed by Heritage Malta is Inquisitor’s Palace, Main Gate Street, Birgu BRG 1023, Vittoriosa, Malta.
The palace was built around the 1530s. It first housed the Magna Curia Castellania Melitensis, a civil tribunal established in 1543. The tribunal moved to Valletta in 1572; Pietro Dusina, Malta’s first inquisitor, arrived in 1574. The Inquisition in Malta was abolished by the French in 1798.
Getting to Birgu from Marsaskala
Inquisitor’s Palace is in Birgu, so plan your outing around the address on Main Gate Street. The available information confirms nearby public transport, but does not provide a journey time or route from Marsaskala.
Heritage Malta identifies routes 2 (Birgu Centre) and 3 (Kalkara Progress) as stopping near the palace. Its public-transport information also names nearby stops at Riche, Fortini and Bieb. Transport details can change, so check the official site before you go.
If you’re planning transport for your stay, the Marsaskala neighbourhood guide offers a broader look at the hotel’s town.
What to expect from the museum visit
The museum visit takes you through the palace’s historic kitchen, official halls and private quarters, as well as its tribunal chamber, torture chamber and prison complex. A separate wing is dedicated to the National Textiles Collection.
The rooms connect the building’s domestic spaces with its former institutional use. You can also find food and drinks, a gift shop, and indoor and outdoor seating among the facilities listed at the palace.
Tickets, opening hours and accessibility
Heritage Malta lists adult admission at €6 for people aged 18 and over. Youths aged 12–17, senior citizens aged 60 and over, and students or other concessions pay €4.50; children aged 6–11 pay €3, while infants aged 1–5 enter free. Heritage Malta members and Heritage Malta Passport holders also enter free.
The palace is partially accessible, and some areas cannot be fully accessed by people with mobility impairment. Uneven flooring, low lighting and low doorways are among the listed accessibility issues. Check the official site before you go for current ticket and visitor information.
Making a wider Three Cities outing
Birgu can anchor a museum-focused day in the Three Cities. If you want to include another museum, the Malta at War Museum in Birgu is another option to consider; check its details separately when planning your visit.
Keep the palace’s address handy as you plan where to go in Birgu, and allow time for its historic rooms and textile collection. The museum’s listed outdoor seating also gives you an option for a pause on site.
FAQs
What is Inquisitor's Palace in Birgu?
It is a historic house museum and Malta’s national ethnography museum, with palace rooms and a wing dedicated to the National Textiles Collection.
Where is Inquisitor’s Palace?
The address is Main Gate Street, Birgu BRG 1023, Vittoriosa, Malta.
Is Inquisitor’s Palace accessible to visitors with mobility impairments?
It is partially accessible, but some areas cannot be fully accessed. Uneven floors, low lighting and low doorways are among the listed barriers.
How much are tickets to Inquisitor’s Palace?
Heritage Malta lists admission at €6 for adults, €4.50 for youths, seniors and eligible concessions, and €3 for children aged 6–11. Infants aged 1–5 and eligible Heritage Malta members and passport holders enter free.