Inquisition Museum, Lima

The Inquisition Museum is one of the best maintained and most often visited museums in Peru. It sits on Bolivar Square and is housed in the old building of the Peruvian Congress and National Senate. The building is now considered a site of national importance and was first opened to the public on July 26th 1968.

It was from here that the Spanish Inquisition was run between 1570 and 1820. The Spanish Inquisition in the 16th century sought to eradicate blasphemy and heresy, pursuant to which objective it used to have the suspects of such deeds brought here for torture that took place in the basement. The Inquisition targeted, in particular, Spanish Jews who were often accused of secret dealings.

Today, visitors can see the dungeons where the prisoners were held and the life-size wax models graphically depicting the acts of the torture that the victims had to endure. Some visitors may find such sight quite disturbing and sending shivers down one's spine! However, the museum is a sure must for history lovers.

In addition to paying homage to the Peruvian Congress, the museum missions to preserve and to pass down to future generations the historical and cultural richness of the nation. The artifacts exhibited here highlight the importance and the impact that the Inquisition has had on the Peruvian history.