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Torture Museum Oude Steen: A chilling journey through medieval justice

Explore the dark side of medieval justice in Bruges' oldest prison, featuring over 100 chilling torture devices and historical exhibits.

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Housed in one of Europe's oldest prisons, the Torture Museum Oude Steen in Bruges offers a macabre yet fascinating look into the history of medieval justice. Explore over 100 torture and execution devices, complete with wax figures and realistic audio effects, within the chilling atmosphere of a former dungeon.

A brief summary to Torture Museum Oude Steen Brugge

  • Monday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Saturday 10:30 am-6:30 pm
  • Sunday 10:30 am-6:30 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase a combination ticket with the Museum of Witchcraft, located in the same building, to save money.
  • Allow at least 45 minutes to an hour to fully experience the museum's exhibits.
  • Be prepared for a dark and potentially disturbing atmosphere due to the nature of the exhibits.
  • Check the official website for the most up-to-date information on opening hours and any potential changes.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Torture Museum is located in the historic heart of Bruges on Wollestraat 29, making it easily accessible on foot from most central locations. From the Markt (Market Square), walk southeast along Breidelstraat, then turn left onto Wollestraat. The museum will be on your right. The walk is approximately 5 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    If arriving by train at Bruges Station, take bus line 1 or 2 towards the city center. Get off at the '’t Zand' stop, which is a major transport hub. From '’t Zand', walk east along Zuidzandstraat, turn right onto Geldmuntstraat, and then left onto Wollestraat. The museum will be on your left. The bus fare is approximately €3.00 if purchased in advance or €3.50 if bought from the bus driver.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available at Bruges Train Station and throughout the city center. A taxi from the train station to the Torture Museum will cost approximately €10-€15, depending on traffic. The journey takes around 5-10 minutes.

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Discover more about Torture Museum Oude Steen Brugge

The Torture Museum Oude Steen, located in the heart of Bruges, resides within the city's oldest prison, dating back to the 10th or 11th century. Known as 'De Oude Steen' (The Old Stone), the building itself served as a prison since the 14th century, providing an authentic and eerie setting for the museum's exhibits. The museum presents a comprehensive collection of over 100 instruments of torture and execution, arranged chronologically to illustrate their historical usage from approximately the 12th to 18th centuries. Life-like wax figures, dressed in period clothing, are posed with the devices, vividly demonstrating the cruel methods employed to extract confessions or inflict punishment. Muted lighting and realistic audio effects enhance the grim atmosphere, immersing visitors in the dark realities of medieval justice. Exhibits include devices like the rack, thumbscrews, the strappado, and the inquisitorial chair, alongside detailed explanations of their use. The museum doesn't merely focus on shock value; it also encourages reflection on humanity's capacity for cruelty and the evolution of legal systems. Visitors can contemplate the complex relationship between good and evil and how justice in ancient times often teetered on the edge of violence. Located on Wollestraat, the Torture Museum is easily accessible and can be combined with a visit to the nearby Museum of Witchcraft with a combination ticket. Allow approximately 45 minutes to an hour to fully experience the museum.

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