Prisons' Palace: Maleficia, Inquistion torture tools

About this activity

Discover reproductions, ancient documents, and instruments of justice used by the Holy Office during the centuries of witchcraft persecution. Enjoy a ticket to the Maleficia Exhibition in Venice.

Highlights

  • Visit the prestigious Prisons' Palace
  • Torture instruments of the Inquisition prescribed in the original Maleficia book
  • See "instruments of torture" used as a garrote and a pillory
  • Discover instruments of justice used by the Holy Office in withcraft persecution
  • A cell for women accused of witchcraft

Full description

Suggestive testimonies, documents and objects: these are just some of the elements that combine to make Maleficia a unique exhibition, capable of revealing the mysteries, secrets, legends and historical facts that marked the thousand extraordinary years of the Serenissima Republic. In a journey through original artifacts and reproductions, discover in this exhibition, housed inside the prestigious Prisons' Palace, ancient documents used by the Holy Office in the persecution of witchcraft and the instruments of justice employed to counter it. In this Palace, between the 15th and 18th centuries, the terrible Tribunal of the Inquisition condemned to death many women accused of evil spells and magical arts and many famous people as Giacomo Casanova, accused of dabbling in magic and the occult! Discover "instruments of torture" used as a garrote, a head crusher, and an authentic whipping post. An exhibit that will take you into the medieval age making you reflect on the suffering of those condemned to death and torture in past eras.

Included / Excluded

  • Entrance ticket to Maleficia Museum

Important information

Know before you book

  • • This tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity starts

Up to 24 hours before the beginning of the activity: full refund Less than 24 hours before the beginning of the activity or no-show: no refund

Reviews

GetYourGuide
Thomas Patteril
Sep 2026
4.0

VR experience was good but gondola experience was very less time & not covered multiple routes

GetYourGuide
Judith
Sep 2026
5.0

Perfekte Einführung in die Glaskunst.

GetYourGuide
GetYourGuide traveler
Sep 2026
3.0

We had a lovely day however the Murano glass was disappointing felt more a sales opportunity. Burano is pretty and a much slower pace.