Museum of the Inquisition / Museo de la Inquisición

Museum

V!VA User‘s Description

Museum of the Inquisition  / Museo de la Inquisición

Located on the Plaza Bolívar, which is also home to the Peruvian Congress building, the Inquisition Museum is one of Lima's most popular and oft-visited museums. Housed in the building that was home to the Inquisition from 1570 to 1820, the museum has exhibits which explain the impact and importance of the Inquisition in Peru's history.

Imported from Spain in the late sixteenth century, the Inquisition was responsible for eliminating heresy and blasphemy in the New World. Some of their targets included Spanish Jews and their descendents, who were often accused of maintaining their practices in secret. In this museum, you can visit the lightless dungeon cells where those accused awaited judgement or punishment. It was also from this location that the public burning of heretics was ordered.

The museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. daily. Admission is free.

Traveler Reviews of Museum of the Inquisition / Museo de la Inquisición

A bit wierd

Rating: 75%

The wax figurines of people being tortured is a bit unusual, but overall this museum is great.

By V!VA User from US, Feb 06, 2008

Inquisicion Museum

Rating: 75%

This museum -- with tours available in English -- covers the trials and punishments used during the Inquisicion in Lima. It is across the street from the Congress building.

By V!VA User from US, Jan 31, 2007