The Executioner's House – Birgu, Malta - Atlas Obscura
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The Executioner's House

Birgu, Malta

The medieval home is still engraved with the symbol of the profession, an eye flanked by two axes. 

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Found on the quiet Paċifiku Scicluna Street in the medieval city of Birgu (also known as Vittoriosa), there is a small, abandoned house with old electricity wires hanging from its eroding walls. It is no coincidence that this house is so close to the old Inquisitor’s Palace.

Dating from the 16th century, this used to be the house of the executioner and his family during the times of the Order of St John and the Inquisition. The executioner’s symbol, an eye sandwiched between two axes, can still be seen engraved on top of the windows.

The axes are an obvious symbol of the profession, while the eye is possibly referencing God’s eye and the divine judgment passed from the Roman Execution. A marble plaque on the façade marks this humble home given to the person holding this unenviable office.

Know Before You Go

The house is private property, not open to the public, and can only be seen from the outside.

execution plaques religion sacred spaces history
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Published
September 14, 2017
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Nearby
Inquisitor’s Palace
0.02 miles
Prison in Fort Saint Angelo
0.45 miles
Church of St. Paul's Shipwreck
0.85 miles
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