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

This museum can be found in a 17th century building at 7 St Jean Street in the Cite. It has a bizarre collection of torture instruments (antique models) and costumed mannequins who all seem to be oddly happy. The dates of the tools and instruments range from the 12th century to the Napoleonic era. Description panels are in French, English, and Spanish.

The aim of the Museum is to demonstrate how religious prisoners were persuaded to "confess" their errors. A religious crusade of massacre and suppression was carried out against the Cathars in the 12th century. Pope Innocent Iii declared a crusade against the hot bed of heresy he perceived Carcassonne to be. The Inquisition had its roots in Rome.

"Punishments" described range from the trial to the stake. The visiting hours are 10am to 6pm every day. The instruments on display are real. Don't try this at home.