Take an Unsettling Trip to Amsterdam’s Torture Museum

A day at the museum doesn't always have to be a relaxing experience. At the Torture Museum in Amsterdam, you're bound to feel uncomfortable after a few minutes spent wandering the halls.

According to museum's website, this attraction, located in the Netherlands's capital, is designed to transport visitors to the darkest chapters of the Medieval era. The torture devices on display show how suspects and prisoners were punished centuries ago. Some instruments were intended to fit the crime, such as the "heretic's fork," which had prongs that continuously stabbed victims through the sternum and lower jaw, forcing them to look up at the heavens. Others, like the spike-covered inquisition chair, were built to inflict as much pain as possible.

Many of the devices at the museum are genuine antiques, while some are recreations. The artifacts do plenty to provoke the imagination, but in case they don't paint a clear enough picture, historical prints of torture scenes are also on display.

Anyone interested in adding some stomach-turning history to their trip to Amsterdam can go to the Torture Museum between 10 a.m. and 11 p.m. Entry costs €7.50 ($8) for adults and €4 ($4.45) for any children in your party you'd like to traumatize. If you're looking for more offbeat museums to visit, check out our list.