Torture Museum Oude Steen, Brugge (must see)

The Torture Museum Oude Steen is located in the city's oldest prison. The prison dates back to the Middle Ages, and the building dates to the 10th or 11th century. During the 14th century, the building was used as a prison and became known as the Old Stone.

The building's cellar has been transformed into a museum that documents the darkness of historic torture. The museum uses lifelike wax statues and authentic torture instruments to depict ancient methods of torture. The cellar has been converted into a very realistic dungeon. Muted lighting and realistic audio effects add to the dark atmosphere.

The lifelike wax statues were created to take you back in time and be face to face with prisoners. The statues wear original clothing from the Middle Ages. The wax figures are often positioned on the torture devices to show the method of torture in use.

The museum contains over 100 different torture devices. The devices range from the 13th century to the 18th century. Most of the torture instruments have been preserved over many centuries, while some are replicas designed to be as faithful as possible.

This museum provides a thoughtful look at life in the Middle Ages when accusations--often made without proof--could lead to imprisonment and torture.