Museum of Medieval Torture Instruments

Probably not a destination for the faint-hearted, the Torture Museum is crammed full of ghastly implements designed to worm the truth out of sinners in medieval times. At that time, torture was pretty much the answer for any perceived crime, from adultery to treason, and artifacts here range from gallows to four-pronged heretics’ forks or interrogation chairs embedded with nails. On occasion different forms of torture were combined: a prisoner rendered immobile in an iron cage might also be severely lashed to make him break down and confess more readily.

Altogether more than 100 macabre torture devices are displayed over five gory floors, all accompanied by informative (sometimes too informative) descriptions of the implements of pain and how they were utilized. A couple of photo opportunities with guillotines and stocks provide some much-needed light relief.

Practical Info

The Museum of Medieval Tortue Instruments is located at Damrak 33 and is open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission costs €12.50 for adults and €4.50 for children ages 5 to 12.