The instruments exhibited have been collected from all over Europe and include some rare pieces dating back to the 16th and 17 century. The exhibits were devices used for torture, capital punishment and public humiliation.

The exhibition, held under the patronage of the United Nations and Amnesty International, has proved to be a public success all over the world. It is a “an incredible testimony against the violation of human rights through the ages”, said Heritage Malta.

Complete with illustrations and multi-lingual captions, the exhibition documents the aberrations of intolerance and fanaticism of which man can be capable. The sophisticated equipment exhibited shows that human mind knows no limits in the search for the most atrocious methods of inflicting pain.

Speaking at the opening of the exhibition, Tourism and Culture Minister Francis Zammit Dimech noted that although torture is illegal in contemporary society, some nations are still apparently using it as a way of dealing with those who do not agree with them.

Hearing about torture should bring about disdain for those breaching human rights, he said. An exhibition like this should remind the Maltese of the torture suffered by people in other countries. We must raise national awareness against torture and the countries that practice it, he said.

Dr Zammit Dimech said that the façade of the Inquisitor’s Palace had recently been restored and a project like this encourages people – locals and tourists – to visit Cottonera and appreciate its historical beauty.

The minister emphasised that he will continue to encourage projects to give the locality the importance it deserves and make it more popular in the tourism sector. The exhibition also proves Heritage Malta’s dedication towards improving its product and its commitment and vision to Cottonera.

Adult visitors will be charged Lm3. The entrance fee for children between six and 12 is 50c while students and senior citizens must pay Lm1.50 to view this disquieting, yet fascinating, exhibition.