Moldavite Museum

About

The Museum of Torture in Český Krumlov offers a stark, atmospheric journey into the darker chapters of European justice. Set within the cellars of a historic building near the town’s main square, it recreates the oppressive mood of medieval interrogation chambers with dim lighting, echoing corridors, and lifelike soundscapes that heighten the sense of unease. Inside, visitors encounter more than a hundred instruments once used for punishment, public humiliation, or forced confessions. Among the most striking pieces are the iron maiden, spiked interrogation chairs, and devices designed to restrain or distort the body in ways that reveal how fear once served as a tool of authority. Wax figures demonstrate how these mechanisms operated, making the experience both educational and unsettling. The exhibition also explains the legal context of torture, showing how trials, confessions, and executions were intertwined with social order. It is a compelling visit for anyone interested in the realities behind medieval myths and the evolution of justice.

Český Krumlov Czech Republic

Location

MUZEUM TORTURY in Český Krumlov is located right in the historic center, on Náměstí Svornosti, the town’s main square. It sits in the old town area, so it is easy to combine with a walk through the medieval streets and the riverside parts of Český Krumlov. The museum is a small but striking stop for visitors interested in medieval justice, and it is well placed for sightseeing on foot. Very nearby, you can visit the Český Krumlov Castle and Chateau, one of the town’s biggest highlights. The castle area, with its tower, courtyards, and gardens, is one of the most famous sights in South Bohemia. Also close by are the charming old streets of the historic center, where you can enjoy the UNESCO-listed atmosphere of the town. Other nearby attractions include the Church of St. Vitus, the Egon Schiele Centrum, and the scenic Vltava River viewpoints, all of which are within a pleasant walking distance.