Inquisitor's Palace, Palace museum in Birgu, Malta.
Description
The Inquisitor's Palace is a three-story building in Birgu containing official halls, private quarters, and chambers used for tribunal and imprisonment. The structure displays different functional areas reflecting its various historical uses.
History
The building was constructed in the 1530s as a civil court and later served as the seat of the Maltese Inquisition from 1574 to 1798. During this period it became the center of church authority and judicial power on the islands.
Culture
The palace displays religious practices and social traditions of Malta through its rooms and displayed objects, reflecting how people lived and what they believed in daily life.
Practical
The building is located on Main Gate Street in Vittoriosa and is easily reached on foot, with different floors connected by stairs. It helps to wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore the various rooms at your own pace.
Did you know?
The building features an original Gothic groin vault cloister from its early construction period, preserving rare architectural details from that era. This cloister is one of the few surviving examples of this building style on the island.
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Malta contains numerous historical sites and natural landscapes away from the main tourist areas. The islands hold prehistoric temple complexes such as Skorba and Ta' Ħaġrat near Mġarr, Roman remains including the Roman Villa at Żejtun and ancient bath sites, and Ghar Dalam, a cave with Ice Age...
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