Girgenti Palace / Inquisitor's Palace and gardens
Matteo Falson (Maltese: Matti Falzun) owned the land. Falson was accused of heresy and went into hiding in Sicily. The population called him "Falzon Wizard". The Inquisition condemned Falzon in absentia and the land was confiscated.
In 1625 the summer residence of Inquisitor Onorato Visconti was built on the land. The building is rectangular, and the facade is simple with few decorative elements.
In 1763 a chapel was built next to the palace, separated by a loggia, by Inquisitor Angelo Maria Durini (1760-1766). The chapel is dedicated to St. Charles Borromeo.
The palace remained the summer residence of the inquisitors until 1798 when the French occupation began, and the inquisition was abolished.
During the British period, the palace was used as a summer residence for Malta's lieutenant governors. One was Sir Harry Luke who did a lot for the artistic and cultural heritage of Malta and called the house a gem, harmonious and functional.
In the Second World War, the palace served as a repository of some important artistic treasures of Malta.
After the Second World War, the palace was abandoned, and neglected.
In the period between 1988 and 1990, the palace, the luxury gardens and the water well were renovated and tastefully decorated and became the summer residence of the Prime Minister of Malta.
Opening hours | Every day (march to December) 10:00 - 18:00 Everyday except tuesday (9 feb til March) 9:00 - 17:00 |
Last admission | Advice 60 minutes before closing |
Closed | Closed on 24, 25 & 31 December, 1 january & Good Friday |
Ticket / admission fee | |
Adults (18+ yrs) | € 6.00 |
Youth (12- 17yrs) | € 4.50 |
Children (6-11 yrs) | € 3.00 |
| Disability Card Holders | € 3.00 |
Seniors Citizens (60+) | € 4.50 |
| Infants (1- 5 yrs) free | |
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