Museum of the Inquisition

Everyone must have heard about the Medieval Inquisition. Its history goes back to the beginning of the 13th century: a special court was created at the discretion of the Catholic Church, and Pope Innocent III signed the corresponding decree.

The task of this special church tribunal was to track down heresy. The Inquisition ran rampant across Europe; a real witch hunt began. Moreover, the accused were dreadfully tortured. If they survived the interrogation, confessed, or, even better, regretted whatever they had done, the case was referred to the court. The key element of the Inquisition was the ecclesiastical court that all cases had to go through.

The Inquisition lasted until the 19th century. In France, there were two attempts to suppress the Inquisition: the first one was taken during the French Revolution and the second – by Emperor Napoleon.

In Carcassonne, there is a museum dedicated to the history of the Inquisition. It is located in the building of the former city fortress. “Why such a museum was opened in Carcassonne?” – you may be wondering. But it was here, in the distant 13th century, where the first ecclesiastical court trial was held.

Like in other cities that the inquisitors put their hands to, in Carcassonne, the accused were brutally tortured. After the interrogation, the heretics were sent to a prison located in the Inquisition Tower. By the way, it has survived to our time.

The Museum of the Inquisition contains exhibits that are rather unusual for modern people. In particular, here you can see all sorts of torture tools. The most popular among inquisitors were the rack and the garrote, intended for strangling the victim; the guillotine, and the head crusher, a tool with which the person’s skull was squashed. Among the exhibits, you can also see a chastity belt that medieval men put on their wives.

Besides, the museum also displays modern torture tools such as the electric chair.