THE OLD PRISON, GOZO

The Old Prison is situated in The Citadel, overlooking Cathederal Square. It was built in 1548, to replace an earlier Prison building. La Vallette; the founder of Valletta was reputedly incarcerated in one of the lower cells for fighting, (not the done thing for a Priest). It was in use until the beginning of the 20th century. The walls of the cells and corridors in the old prison are covered in graffiti. It is considered the largest collection of historical graffiti in one single place on the Maltese Islands. The representations are often of ships, and date from different periods. There are also hands, carved by illiterate inmates: Crosses, names, dates, games and figures also appear on the limestone walls. Some Prisoners also appear to have scratched a tally of their length of stay behind bars. The graffiti is a fascinating, insight into the lives of those incarcerated there.

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