Museum of the Inquisition and Congress Lima
Explore Lima's dark past at the Museum of the Inquisition, featuring chilling torture exhibits and bone-lined catacombs.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Museum of the Inquisition and Congress Lima
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more reflective

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Lima's dark past at the Museum of the Inquisition, featuring chilling torture exhibits and bone-lined catacombs.
"A stark and impactful look at history, but always check if it's actually open!
"Confirm Hours Before Visiting ⏰
Crucial to check if open, as it's often closed for renovations. Don't rely solely on online info!
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the catacombs and surrounding areas.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Catacombs
Underneath the museum
Explore chilling tunnels lined with the bones of prisoners, a truly unique and somber historical experience.

Courtroom and Torture Exhibits
Main museum halls
Witness the grim reality of the Inquisition with displays of historical courtrooms and infamous torture devices.

Historical Context of the Inquisition
Exhibition rooms
Gain a deeper understanding of the Spanish Inquisition's impact and methods through informative displays.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Opening Status Before You Go
Prepare for a Somber Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Hours Before Visiting ⏰
Crucial to check if open, as it's often closed for renovations. Don't rely solely on online info!
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the catacombs and surrounding areas.
First time visitor to Lima and Peru, looking for recommendations
Be Prepared for the Grim
Exhibits are graphic and detail historical torture. Not for the faint of heart.
Combine with City Center Visit 🗺️
Located near Lima's main square, making it easy to combine with other historical sites.
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Hours Before Visiting ⏰
Crucial to check if open, as it's often closed for renovations. Don't rely solely on online info!
Wear Comfortable Shoes 👟
You'll be doing a lot of walking, especially if you explore the catacombs and surrounding areas.
Be Prepared for the Grim
Exhibits are graphic and detail historical torture. Not for the faint of heart.
Combine with City Center Visit 🗺️
Located near Lima's main square, making it easy to combine with other historical sites.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Museum of the Inquisition to be a very interesting and impactful site, offering a stark understanding of historical cruelty, particularly through its catacombs. However, frequent and unannounced closures for renovations are a significant drawback, leading to disappointment and wasted trips for many.
"Very interesting museum. I understand more about how cruel the inquisition really was."
Rebecca Hardgrave
"I have visited this Museum on several occasions. It is interesting to know what happened in the past. We wanted to visit it about a fortnight ago and looked it up on google, it said it was open, when we got there we were told it had been closed for about 3 years. I do hope they open it up again."
Sarah Kennard
"Apparently, it has been closed for 2 years for "renovations". The renovations haven't even begun, or so I was told by one of the people who "work" there. If online it says that you're open, then make it CLEAR that you're not so that people do not waste their time and money trying to get there. AND GET TO "RENOVATING" ALREADY, IT'S BEEN 2 YEARS!! I really hope y'all ain't trying to revive the inquisition on Christians again. JUST SAYING."
Jessica Castro
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located in Lima's historic city center. You can reach it by taxi, ride-sharing apps (like Uber or Cabify), or public buses that frequent the downtown area. It's often recommended to visit during the day for safety and accessibility.
Yes, the city center is accessible by various public transport options. However, it's advisable to check real-time routes and schedules as they can vary.
From Miraflores, you can take a taxi or a ride-sharing service directly to the museum in the city center. Public buses are also an option but may involve more transfers and a longer journey.
Parking in Lima's historic center can be challenging. It's generally recommended to use ride-sharing services or taxis to avoid parking hassles.
The historic city center is generally safe to explore on foot during daylight hours, but it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission prices can vary, and it's essential to check the official website or call ahead for the most current pricing. Some sources mention a nominal fee, like the 5 soles for the 'Circuito Mágico del Agua'.
This is the most critical question! The museum has frequently been closed for renovations. Always verify current opening status online or by phone before your visit, as it may not be open.
Given the unpredictable opening status, advance ticket purchases might not be feasible or advisable. It's best to purchase tickets upon arrival if the museum is indeed open.
The museum displays graphic content related to torture and the Inquisition, which may not be suitable for young children. Parental discretion is advised.
Information on guided tours is not widely available. It's recommended to inquire directly with the museum if they offer such services.
🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience
You can explore exhibits on the history of the Spanish Inquisition, including displays of torture devices, historical courtrooms, and the chilling catacombs beneath the building.
The catacombs are a significant part of the experience and are often mentioned in conjunction with the museum visit. It's best to confirm if access is included or requires a separate ticket.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on your interest level and whether you explore the catacombs and surrounding areas.
Restroom facilities are typically available in museums, but it's advisable to confirm upon arrival.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff upon entry regarding restrictions on taking photos.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Museums of this nature typically do not have on-site restaurants. However, the museum is located in Lima's city center, which offers numerous dining options.
The historic city center offers a variety of eateries, including traditional Peruvian restaurants and options in the nearby Chinatown. You can find everything from quick bites to more formal dining experiences.
Absolutely! The city center is a great place to sample authentic Peruvian cuisine, including ceviche, a local favorite.
Yes, you can find many local 'menu del día' (set lunch menus) and smaller eateries in the city center that offer affordable and delicious meals.
Lima's Chinatown, known as 'Barrio Chino,' offers a unique fusion of Peruvian and Chinese flavors (Chifa cuisine) and is a vibrant area to explore for diverse culinary experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography rules can vary. It's best to look for signs or ask museum staff upon entry. Flash photography is often prohibited to protect exhibits.
The architecture of the building itself, the historical artifacts, and the eerie atmosphere of the catacombs can be compelling subjects for photography, if permitted.
Drone usage is generally restricted in urban areas and around historical sites. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone in Lima.
Lighting can be dim in historical buildings and especially in catacombs, which might require a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod if allowed.
If photography is allowed, the catacombs offer a unique and atmospheric setting for photos, though lighting may be a challenge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🧐 History Buffs
🚶 Day-Trippers from Miraflores
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Museum's History and Closure
However, a significant point of concern for potential visitors is the museum's frequent and often unannounced closures for renovations. Multiple reviews highlight arriving only to find the museum shut, sometimes for extended periods, with little to no prior notice. This inconsistency can lead to considerable disappointment and wasted travel time, making it crucial for anyone planning a visit to verify its operational status immediately before heading out.
Despite these challenges, those who manage to visit often find the experience deeply impactful. The opportunity to explore the catacombs, where prisoners were held and walls are made of bones, is frequently cited as a particularly memorable and chilling aspect of the visit. This unique historical site, when open, offers a profound look into the past that resonates with many visitors.
The Chilling Experience of the Catacombs
Visitors often describe the catacombs as a journey that extends beyond the museum itself, sometimes connecting to churches or other historical sites in the vicinity. This interconnectedness adds another layer to the historical exploration, suggesting a wider network of confinement and religious influence during that period. The experience is often described as both fascinating and deeply sobering, leaving a lasting impression on those who venture below.
Due to the nature of the catacombs, comfortable footwear is recommended, as the terrain can be uneven. While photography might be restricted, the visual impact of the bone-lined walls is said to be unforgettable, making it a highlight for many who brave the darkness and history.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit