Musee de L'Inquisition (Museum of the Inquisition), Carcassonne

Musee de L'Inquisition (Museum of the Inquisition), Carcassonne

Located in the heart of the medieval city of Carcassonne, the Museum of the Inquisition—often referred to as the Torture Museum—offers a sobering glimpse into one of history’s darkest periods. Situated in a 17th-century building on Saint-Jean Street, this museum delves into the harrowing events surrounding the Inquisition and its brutal methods, particularly its presence in Carcassonne, starting in 1234.

Dominican brothers, backed by Pope Gregory IX, led ruthless campaigns against heretics, with figures like Brother Ferrier, "the Hammer of Heretics," gaining infamy. Their cruelty sparked complaints from Carcassonne's consul to the French king in 1286. Public outrage peaked in 1303, when Franciscan friar Bernard Délicieux led a failed rebellion, resulting in his imprisonment and his allies' execution. The Inquisition regained control, executing Guilhem Bélibaste, the last Cathar leader, in 1321.

The museum showcases a wide array of torture instruments, dating from the 12th century to the Napoleonic era. Visitors can explore a collection that includes devices sourced from across Europe, presented alongside mannequins in staged scenarios that reenact the grim realities of trials, interrogations, and punishments inflicted upon those accused of heresy. Notable sections of the exhibit recount the journey from trial to execution by burning. While some items, like the infamous Iron Maiden, are acknowledged as later fabrications, most of the displays are authentic relics, offering a chilling testament to the period.

Complementing the exhibits, the museum features biographies of key historical figures, the history of the Cathar castles, and panels in multiple languages (French, English, Spanish, Italian, and German), augmented by video presentations.

While undeniably unsettling, the Museum of the Inquisition provides a vivid account of how the Inquisition served as both a tool of suppression and a symbol of unchecked religious and political authority. The museum invites visitors to confront this sobering chapter of history—though, as the exhibit wryly warns, "Don't try this at home."

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Carcassonne. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Musee de L'Inquisition (Museum of the Inquisition) on Map

Sight Name: Musee de L'Inquisition (Museum of the Inquisition)
Sight Location: Carcassonne, France (See walking tours in Carcassonne)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Carcassonne, France

Create Your Own Walk in Carcassonne

Create Your Own Walk in Carcassonne

Creating your own self-guided walk in Carcassonne is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Medieval City of Carcassonne Walking Tour

Medieval City of Carcassonne Walking Tour

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Carcassonne Introduction Walking Tour

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A legend suggests another, more colorful version of the name,...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.5 Km or 1.6 Miles