Old Prison, Historic prison museum in Victoria, Malta.
The Old Prison features thick stone walls, narrow barred windows, and preserved cells that showcase 16th-century penal architecture within the Citadel of Victoria on Gozo island.
Built in the mid-16th century and operational until 1962, this correctional facility served as the primary detention center for centuries, housing both local offenders and notable figures including Fra Jean Parisot de La Valette.
The walls contain extensive historical graffiti created by inmates over centuries, featuring crosses, ships, handprints, and personal inscriptions that represent the most comprehensive collection of prisoner markings in Malta.
Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9:00 to 17:00, the museum charges €5.00 for adults with reduced rates for children and seniors, offering guided tours and educational programs about Malta's penal history.
The prison houses the oldest surviving graffiti collection in Malta, with inmates' drawings and inscriptions dating back hundreds of years, providing direct insight into the personal experiences of historical prisoners.
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