The Old Prison, Victoria (Rabat), Gozo

Historic Building in Victoria (Rabat), Gozo

Old Prison, Gozo
Old Prison, Gozo
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Continentaleurope

Tucked inside Victoria's Citadel, the Old Prison is one of those places that feels small on the map but strangely big once you step inside. Just a few minutes from the cathedral and law courts, it's a compact cluster of stone cells and corridors where the atmosphere changes instantly: quieter, cooler, and a little unsettling in the best possible way.

What makes it unforgettable is the wall graffiti. Names, symbols, and especially ship drawings are etched into the limestone by past inmates, turning the prison into a raw, human record rather than a polished museum display. If you're doing a walking tour of Victoria, this is one of the top attractions in Victoria because it's quick to visit, easy to slot into the Citadel circuit, and genuinely different from the island's churches and viewpoints.

History and Significance of the Old Prison

The Old Prison’s story is tightly bound to the Citadel’s role as Gozo’s seat of power. Positioned beside the Courts of Justice, it functioned as a practical extension of local authority: a place to hold people awaiting trial, to enforce discipline, and to keep order within the fortified heart of the island.

Over the centuries, the building was adapted and reused, but it remained a working prison from the mid-16th century into the modern era. That long timeline matters, because it explains why the markings on the walls don’t feel like a single moment in history-they’re layered, repetitive, and intensely personal, created by many hands across different periods.

Its real significance today is that it preserves everyday traces that most historic sites lose: boredom, bravado, faith, longing, and the maritime identity of the Maltese Islands. The scratched ships and symbols are not “artworks” in the conventional sense, but they are one of the most direct ways to feel how close Gozo has always been to the sea, even from behind prison walls.

Things to See and Do in the Old Prison

Start in the entrance area, where the context is easiest to absorb before you head into the cells. Even if you’re not normally drawn to prisons as attractions, give yourself a minute to adjust your pace-this is a place where looking closely is the whole point.

Then move along the corridor toward the small block of individual cells. The spaces are tight and intentionally plain, so your eye naturally goes to what breaks the emptiness: carved crosses, handprints, names, dates, geometric patterns, and the standout ship graffiti that makes the Old Prison so distinctive.

Take your time with the details rather than trying to “see everything.” A good approach is to pick a few cells and study them properly, looking for repeated motifs and the different depths of carving. You’ll notice how some marks feel casual and quick, while others are carefully worked-almost like a ritual-suggesting different moods, lengths of confinement, and reasons for leaving a trace.

How to Get to the Old Prison

Most visitors reach Gozo via Malta International Airport (MLA) and then continue to the Gozo ferry before heading to Victoria. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Victoria (Rabat), Gozo on Booking.com.

There are no trains on Malta or Gozo, so all travel is by road transport or on foot. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

By bus, aim for Victoria's main bus terminus, then walk uphill toward the Citadel; once you enter the fortifications, the Old Prison is an easy short stroll near the courts and cathedral.

By taxi or rideshare, asking for the Citadel in Victoria is usually the simplest instruction, then you finish on foot through the pedestrian lanes.

By car, you’ll generally park outside the Citadel area and walk in, which is often quicker than trying to get as close as possible to the walls.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Old Prison

  • Entrance fee: Ċittadella Combo Ticket (includes the Old Prison): Adults (18+): €5.00; Youths (12–17): €3.50; Senior Citizens (60+): €3.50; Concessions & Students: €3.50; Children (6–11): €2.50; Infants (1–5): Free.
  • Opening hours: 01 March – 31 December: Tuesday – Sunday: 09:00–17:00; 01 January – 28 February: Tuesday & Thursday – Sunday: 09:00–17:00. Closed on Monday; in 01 January – 28 February also closed on Wednesday. Last admission: 16:30. Closed on 01 January, Good Friday, 24 December, 25 December & 31 December.
  • Official website: https://heritagemalta.mt/explore/the-old-prison/
  • Best time to visit: Late morning can be busy with day-trippers, so aim for early opening or mid-afternoon for a calmer, more atmospheric walk through the cells.
  • How long to spend: 20-40 minutes is usually ideal, or up to an hour if you like slow-looking and photography.
  • Accessibility: Expect uneven surfaces, narrow passages, and steps typical of a historic Citadel building, so it may be challenging for some mobility needs.
  • Facilities: Treat it as a short, focused visit-pair it with the Citadel's other museums and plan cafés and longer breaks in central Victoria just outside the walls.

Where to Stay Close to the Old Prison

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in central Victoria near the Citadel and Republic Street; if your trip's main focus is swimming and seaside evenings, Marsalforn or Xlendi can be a better base and you can day-trip into the Citadel.

A very practical choice is The Duke Boutique Hotel, which puts you right in the town’s centre with an easy uphill walk to the Citadel. For a more characterful stay in a restored townhouse close to the bastions, Casa Gemelli Boutique Guesthouse is a strong option, especially if you like being steps from restaurants and evening strolls.

If you prefer a smaller, design-led base with a boutique feel, Townhouse17 Boutique Bed & Breakfast sits conveniently for exploring Victoria on foot while still feeling tucked away from the busiest spots.

Is the Old Prison Worth Visiting?

Yes, especially if you enjoy sites that feel intimate and authentic rather than grand. The Old Prison doesn't take long, but the graffiti makes it unusually memorable, and it adds a human layer to the Citadel that you don't always get from churches, palaces, and fortifications.

It’s also a smart pick if you want high impact with low effort: no complicated logistics, no long route planning, and it fits neatly alongside the Citadel’s other stops. Even if you’re not a museum person, the experience is more about atmosphere and close-up discovery than reading long panels.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.2 (352)

Old Prison, on Cathedral Square in Victoria, Gozo, is a compact, easy-to-see museum that visitors describe as small but packed with information about who was held there and how they lived; the site comprises a handful of cells, two hallways and an open-air room, with original markings and sketches visible and one cell you can enter. Many guests visit as part of a combined Citadella ticket that also covers several nearby museums and archaeological sites, making the modest admission more worthwhile, and a brief walkthrough typically takes around 10–20 minutes; there's a small gift shop by the entrance and opportunities for a photo in the stocks.

Kat Moss
2 months ago
"Small but nice bit of history to see, the whole area is free for the most part and the small cost to go into a couple of the buildings was worth it."
Justice Kali Di Quartuccio
8 months ago
"Bought the Cittadella Combo Ticket. €13 adults/ €9 seniors and students with proof of student ID / €7 children under 11. This price bought entranceto the Cittadella Visitor’s Center, Gozo Museum of Archaeology, The Old Prison, Gozo Nature Museum and the Gran Castello Historic House. All of these places were visited and the grounds were walked within a period of two and a half hours without any stops for bathroom, coffee or food. There are plenty of bathrooms and areas to eat, drink or snack. The Old Prison is a rather small exhibit with a wealth of information. It is well worth visiting to learn who was held here, why, when, and how they lived. There is a small gift shop near the entry. It took twenty minutes to walk through the exhibit during an off season...."
S G
5 months ago
"Not very big, but still worth a visit and a photo in the stocks!"

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

This works well for families because it’s short, contained, and naturally sparks questions. Turn it into a simple “spot the symbols” game and focus on the ship carvings, which are the easiest hooks for younger visitors.

Because it’s a historic prison, it can feel a little eerie, so it helps to keep the tone curious rather than grim. Pair it with open-air time on the ramparts right after, so kids can reset in the sunshine and views.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

It’s not romantic in the obvious sense, but it can be a surprisingly good shared stop because it’s so atmospheric and different. The quiet corridors and carved walls invite you to slow down together, then step back into the Citadel’s viewpoints for a dramatic contrast.

Follow it with a gentle wander through Victoria’s lanes and a café stop outside the walls. The rhythm of “short, intense visit” followed by “soft, sunny streets” works especially well as a couple’s mini-route.

Budget Travelers

If you're watching costs, the Old Prison is best approached as part of a wider Citadel visit so you get maximum value from your ticket. It's also easy to reach on foot from Victoria's centre, which keeps transport spending close to zero.

Plan your day around walking: Citadel museums, viewpoints, then a simple snack or picnic-style lunch in town. You’ll get one of Gozo’s most distinctive experiences without needing tours or add-ons.

History Buffs

For history lovers, the appeal is in the unfiltered evidence of past lives-graffiti as primary source material, not decoration. Look for repeated motifs and the differences in carving styles, which hint at different eras and different hands.

It’s also a meaningful companion stop to the Citadel’s broader story: power, law, punishment, and everyday life within fortified walls. When you visit it alongside the courts and cathedral, the Citadel’s civic role becomes much more tangible.

FAQs for Visiting the Old Prison

Getting There

It’s inside the Citadel in Victoria (Rabat), close to the law courts and opposite the cathedral area. Once you’re through the Citadel gates, it’s an easy short walk on foot.
Head uphill toward the Citadel and enter through the main gates, then follow the signs and natural flow toward the cathedral and courts. The lanes are compact, so you’ll reach it quickly once you’re inside the walls.
Walk uphill toward the Citadel along the main pedestrian routes, then continue through the gates into the fortified area. The climb is short but steady, and most visitors reach the entrance comfortably on foot.
Driving can be useful if you’re touring multiple villages, but you’ll still finish with a walk into the Citadel. Parking outside the walls and walking in is usually easier than trying to get extremely close by car.

Tickets & Entry

You can wander the Citadel streets and viewpoints freely, but entry into the Old Prison requires a ticket. It’s best treated as a short paid add-on within a bigger Citadel visit.
Admission is generally arranged as part of a Citadel museum ticket that covers multiple sites rather than just one room. That’s useful because it encourages you to pair the prison with nearby museums without extra planning.
Most travelers can visit without booking, especially outside peak summer hours. If you’re visiting on a busy weekend or holiday, arriving earlier in the day is the simplest way to avoid delays.
Because the cells are small, it’s easy to block others without meaning to, so move slowly and let people pass. Avoid touching the carved walls, since the graffiti is the main historic feature and needs protecting.

Visiting Experience

A focused 20-30 minutes is enough to see the key cells and the best graffiti. If you have longer, spend it on slow-looking rather than rushing to “tick off” every corner.
Yes, because it delivers a distinctive experience without taking a big chunk of your day. It also sits right on the Citadel route, so you won’t be detouring across town.
Pair it with a Citadel viewpoint loop and one other museum, then finish in central Victoria for a café or early dinner. That gives you history, atmosphere, and a relaxed town finish in one easy sequence.
It’s a solid bad-weather option because it’s mostly indoors and doesn’t rely on views. If the wind and rain are intense on the ramparts, the prison can be a comfortable way to keep the Citadel visit going.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Many self-guided routes through the Citadel include it because it’s close to the cathedral and courts. Even if your route doesn’t mention it, it’s easy to add without changing your timing much.
Independent visiting works well because the site is small and intuitive. A guide adds context for the prison’s role and the meanings behind symbols, but it’s not essential to enjoy the visit.
Start at the Citadel entrance, visit the Old Prison, then do a viewpoint loop on the walls and finish with one nearby museum before walking back into town. It’s compact, logical, and keeps backtracking to a minimum.

Photography

Yes, especially if you like texture, detail, and atmospheric interiors. The carved walls and doorways photograph beautifully with a steady hand and patience.
Midday is fine for interiors, but the calmest moments for detailed shots are usually early opening or quieter mid-afternoon. Lower crowds make it easier to frame the graffiti without interruptions.
Rules can vary by exhibition and conservation needs, so check signage on the day. Even when photos are allowed, it’s best to avoid flash and keep your distance from the walls.
Close-ups of the ship graffiti are the standout, especially when you include a bit of the stone texture around it. Wider shots down the corridor also work well to capture the prison’s tight, austere feel.

Accessibility & Facilities

Access can be partial due to steps and narrow passages typical of Citadel buildings. If mobility is a concern, it’s worth planning for a shorter visit and prioritising the most easily reached areas.
Facilities inside the prison are limited, so plan for restrooms and longer breaks elsewhere in the Citadel or in central Victoria. Treat this as a short stop within a broader day out.
Yes, the Citadel has open areas and viewpoints where you can pause, and Victoria’s cafés are only a short walk away. A quick sit outside after the cells can be a good reset.
It’s suitable for older kids who can move carefully through small spaces, but strollers can be awkward in narrow corridors and steps. If you’re with a stroller, consider parking it and taking turns inside.

Food & Breaks Nearby

Central Victoria around Republic Street is the easiest choice for cafés and casual meals right after your Citadel visit. It’s close enough that you don’t need transport, just a gentle downhill walk.
Victoria often has small local shops and snack spots that work well for a quick bite between Citadel stops. If you prefer a longer sit-down meal, head back into town rather than searching inside the fortress.

Safety & Timing

The Citadel area is generally calm and well-visited, but the prison itself won’t be open late. For evening atmosphere, the better plan is to enjoy the Citadel viewpoints earlier and spend the evening in central Victoria.
Early visits feel quieter and more immersive, especially if you want time with the graffiti. Later in the day can still be excellent if you time it for a lull after peak tour groups.

Nearby Attractions to the Old Prison

  • Gozo Cathedral: A serene hilltop cathedral inside the Citadel, known for its calm interior and elevated setting.
  • Citadel Ramparts and Viewpoints: Walk the walls for sweeping island views that instantly explain why this fortress mattered.
  • Gozo Museum of Archaeology: A compact, well-curated museum that gives context to Gozo's deep past before you explore more sites.
  • Gran Castello Historic House: Step into period rooms that help you imagine daily life inside the Citadel across centuries.
  • Basilica of St George: Just outside the Citadel, this richly decorated basilica is one of Victoria’s most impressive churches.

The The Old Prison appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Victoria (Rabat), Gozo!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

01 March - 31 December: Tuesday - Sunday: 09:00-17:00; 01 January - 28 February: Tuesday & Thursday - Sunday: 09:00-17:00.

Closed on Monday; in 01 January - 28 February also closed on Wednesday.

Last admission: 16:30.

Closed on 01 January, Good Friday, 24 December, 25 December & 31 December.

Price:

Ċittadella Combo Ticket (includes the Old Prison): Adults (18+): €5.00; Youths (12-17): €3.50; Senior Citizens (60+): €3.50; Concessions & Students: €3.50; Children (6-11): €2.50; Infants (1-5): Free.

Address: Old Prison, Cathedral Square, Victoria, Malta
Victoria (Rabat), Gozo: 0 km
Official Website

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