For whatever reason, Tuscany is full of torture museums to choose from – I guess because of a long and rich history...? – but one of the best and one of the most appropriately located has to be the Museum of Torture in Volterra. The walled medieval town looks as though little has changed since those acts of torture were perpetrated and this adds to the creepy atmosphere. If you are interested in history and in the more morbid side of humanity, this fascinating museum is sure to intrigue. Just find a vacation rental in Volterra and come discover the twists and turns of this interesting Tuscan gem.
There are several permanent torture museums around Tuscany, including those at Siena, Lucca, Montepulciano, San Gimignano and Volterra. They house items from all over Europe, dating as far back to the 16th and 17th centuries, copies of other devices, and documents referring to torture, public humiliation and executions over the centuries. While the topics covered are quite gruesome, the presentation is clear and calm with items displayed in brightly lit cases and accompanied by the explanations and further evidence to illuminate their histories.
Some of the devices that one might come across in Volterra include chastity belts, which actually served as a barrier against rape when soldiers came to town and during journeys and overnight stays at inns; stocks used for public humiliation; spiked punishment collars and interrogation chairs; hanging cages; and more.
Equally fascinating and horrifying, this is an intriguing collection of macabre objects and an incredibly interesting insight into Tuscany and Europe in times long since gone by...
Opening hours:
Daily from 10am to 7pm
(And only on Saturday and Sunday during the winter months)
Tickets:
Full price €8
Reduced €6
Volterra Torture Museum
Piazza XX Settembre, 3
+ 39 0588 80501
Some of the devices that one might come across in Volterra include chastity belts, which actually served as a barrier against rape when soldiers came to town and during journeys and overnight stays at inns; stocks used for public humiliation; spiked punishment collars and interrogation chairs; hanging cages; and more.
Equally fascinating and horrifying, this is an intriguing collection of macabre objects and an incredibly interesting insight into Tuscany and Europe in times long since gone by...
Opening hours:
Daily from 10am to 7pm
(And only on Saturday and Sunday during the winter months)
Tickets:
Full price €8
Reduced €6
Volterra Torture Museum
Piazza XX Settembre, 3
+ 39 0588 80501