Six vaulted rooms conserved at the Inquisitor’s Palace

Six vaulted rooms within the Inquisitor’s Palace in Vittoriosa, belonging to the original 16th century core, have been extensively conserved.

The task of restoring one of Malta’s and perhaps one the world’s most unique historical buildings was undertaken by Heritage Malta with the support of Alfred Mizzi Foundation.

Forming part of a more extensive visitor experience programme, the project entailed the conservation of six vaulted spaces that host the museum’s reception area, an introductory display on the Inquisition and the fabric of the palace, and a dedicated space for hands-on educational events.

A unique pre-1939 model of Vittoriosa by Rużar Calleja has also been conserved and placed on display as part of this project. The refurbished areas are to be illuminated by an energy-efficient lighting system and made fully accessible for people with mobility constraints.

Erected shortly after 1530, the building is one of the few surviving palaces built by the Roman Inquisition in Europe and South America during the early modern period.

Its gradual enlargement and modification during the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries and subsequent alterations to suit the varying needs of its 19th century tenants sculpted a multifaceted and labyrinthine architectural gem that mirrors the checkered history and European character of the islands.

The Alfred Mizzi Foundation was set up in 2004 with the overall objective being the promotion, diffusion and safeguarding of Maltese culture and heritage, education, the environment and social solidarity.