The Old Prison, Gozo

The Old Prison is a 16th-century correctional facility within the Cittadella in Victoria, Gozo, now managed by Heritage Malta as a museum. The prison was in use from the mid-1500s until the early 20th century, and its two main cell blocks contain ten individual cells and a communal area.

The prison's most remarkable feature is the graffiti carved into the limestone walls by inmates over four centuries. The carvings include detailed ship drawings, hand outlines, crosses, names and dates, offering a rare and intimate record of the lives of those imprisoned here — many of whom were galley slaves or debtors. The prison forms part of the Cittadella's judicial quarter, alongside the old courthouse.

⭐ Highlights

• ✓16th-century prison in use for nearly 400 years
• ✓Inmate graffiti carved into the cell walls, including ship drawings
• ✓Ten individual cells and a communal area
• ✓Part of the Cittadella's judicial quarter with the old courthouse
• ✓Rare record of the lives of galley slaves and debtors

Visitor Tips

• 💡A combined Cittadella Museums ticket covers the prison and other museums
• 💡Look closely at the walls — the graffiti is detailed and easy to miss
• 💡The cells are small and dim — allow your eyes to adjust
• 💡Combine with the Gozo Museum of Archaeology and Gran Castello Historic House