When we think of tourism, we immediately think of the beach, the mountains or big cities. But other places attract crowds too. Prisons, for example, are a symbol of this. Here are some of the world’s prisons you can visit.
From the USA to England, via South Africa and Cambodia, famous prisons can be an original stop on your tour. A special setting with a rich history. A moment of reflection on a totally unknown place. To soak up the atmosphere and tell your friends about this unusual visit, here are 14 prisons around the world that deserve a little visit on your part.
Alcatraz – United States
Photo credit: Flickr – Krystian Olszanski
How could we begin this selection without talking about the world’s most famous prison? Alcatraz is an island in San Francisco Bay, USA. The federal prison was in operation from 1934 to 1963.
For example, you can discover cell 181, where Al Capone was imprisoned between 1934 and 1939. We’ll also tell you about the escape of Frank Morris, a prisoner who escaped in 1962 and was never found. Alcatraz prison is a veritable myth. It has been the subject of numerous films and a TV series produced by J.J. Abrams.
Old Melbourne Gaol – Australia
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Bidgee
In Melbourne, Australia, you can visit the former Old Melbourne Gaol, which closed its doors in 1929 after 84 years of operation. Since then, it has been transformed into a museum that welcomes thousands of visitors every year.
Australia’s most notorious criminals were executed in this prison. Ned Kelly, Colin Campbell Ross and Frederick Bailey Deeming were among the 133 executed. You can freely explore the building’s exterior and interior to find out more about prison life in Australia.
Ile du Diable – French Guiana
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Cayambe
In French Guiana, Ile du Diable (Devil’s Island), part of the Isles of Salvation, was used as a penal colony for many years. Among the most famous inmates were Alfred Dreyfus (1895-1899), Charles Delescluze (1858-1860) and Henri Charrière (1906-1973). The latter described his sentence in the book Papillon, which was later adapted for the screen starring Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.
A prison with a harsh equatorial climate that was rife with disease. A veritable hell that you can now visit in shorts and sunglasses.
Oxford Castle – England
Photo credit: Geograph – Paul Gillett
Between 1888 and 1996, Oxford Castle in England was used as a prison by the Kingdom. A majestic setting, including the St. George’s Tower. You can fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere by taking advantage of the converted hotel.
You can now sleep in the old cells (converted into guest rooms). The complex is a magnet for tourists, with numerous bars, guided tours and shows. Long gone are the days when comfort was rudimentary and meals reduced to the bare minimum.
Horsens Statsfængsel – Denmark
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Hans Jørn Storgaard Andersen
In Denmark, you can visit the Horsens prison. It was open between 1853 and 2006, before closing its doors. Today, you can visit the prison and even attend concerts. In 2014, the band Metallica performed within the walls of this unusual place.
When you enter this state prison, you can soak up the atmosphere of the prison world. The cells, refectory and showers are accessible to the most curious tourists. Without doubt, an atypical visit that will leave a lasting impression.
Eastern State Penitentiary – United States
Photo credit: Flickr – Sakeeb Sabakka
Here’s another prison frequented by the criminal Al Capone. This state prison is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was used as such from 1836 to 1971. The prison’s astonishing neo-Gothic style and the rumors that surround it are the main features.
A haunted building that attracts the curious and those interested in paranormal phenomena. TheEastern State Penitentiary has also influenced many prisons around the world. An architectural jewel for an unforgettable guided tour. It’s time to take the plunge and enter the prison for the first time.
Port Arthur – Australia
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Martybugs
Some prisons are located in places that look like paradise. Yet Port Arthur, Australia, is not a popular place to be a criminal. Located in Tasmania, this establishment was open from 1833 to 1877. It was a penal colony to which prisoners from all over the Common Wealth were sent.
A World Heritage site with a very interesting museum where you can learn about the life of the prisoners, their daily lives and some of their testimonies. A visit that will leave no one indifferent.
Hotel Celica – Slovenia
Photo credit: Hostel Celica
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Slovenia, you can stay atHostel Celica in the capital Ljubljana. Why should you? The hostel is housed in a former prison. It’s an original youth hostel, since artists from all over the world have redecorated the former cells.
An ideal place to spend a night away from all the usual standards. Break the monotony by imagining yourself behind bars. Forget the austere setting of traditional prisons and rediscover the magic of artists’ formidable frescoes.
Robben Island
– South Africa
Photo credit: Flickr – South African Tourism
Surely one of South Africa’s best-known islands. Robben Island is home to a prison where political opponents and famous prisoners have passed through. It was here that Nelson Mandela broke stones for 18 years before becoming President in 1994. Jacob Zuma and Tokyo Sexwale were also imprisoned here.
In 1997, a museum was opened. Since then, millions of tourists traveling to Cape Town have come to discover the daily life of the prisoners of the time. A plunge into the hell of South Africa’s great names. An instructive and important part of the duty of remembrance.
Fremantle Prison – Australia
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Frmir
Fremantle Prison, located in a suburb of Perth, Australia, was in operation from 1857 to 1991. A place where many executions were carried out. 44 people were killed during the entire period the prison housed prisoners.
Today, the prison is open to the public and many visitors come every year to discover the history of this building. On the program: tunnels, cells and the art of prisoners past and present. An original way to discover the history of Western Australia.
Sultanahmet Prison – Turkey
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Gryffindor
In place of the former Sultanahmet prison now stands theFour Seasons Hotel. This luxury hotel came into being in 1996 after the prison was renovated. The prison was open from 1919 to 1969.
An original place to spend a night in Istanbul and discover Turkish history from a new angle. Take a stroll through the hotel’s corridors and imagine how it used to be.
Tower of London – England
Photo credit: Wikimedia – Stephan Brunker
It’s one of the most famous prisons in the world. The Tower of London has housed prisoners since 1100, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, having welcomed Edward V, Anne Boleyn, William Wallace and Thomas More.
The building welcomes millions of visitors every year and is a must-see in the English capital.
Tuol Sleng – Cambodia
Photo credit: Flickr – Justin Vidamo
Tuol Sleng prison is the symbol of the Khmer Rouge dictatorship led by Pol Pot. This prison, located in Phnom Penh, housed nearly 14,000 people. Since 1980, you can visit the site and the museum dedicated to the Khmer genocide.
A must-see if you want to know more about Cambodia’s history and the fate of its people.
Hotel Katajanokka – Finland
Photo credit: Flickr – Timo Noko
In Helsinki, Finland, Katajanokka Prison was in operation from 1837 to 2002. A major landmark in the country’s prison system. Today, a hotel has been built within its walls. All the ingredients for an unusual and unforgettable night’s stay on your trip to Finland. Curious visitors will appreciate the building’s architectural style and history.
Kilmainham Prison – Ireland
Photo credit: Flickr – Corey Leopold
On the outskirts of Dublin, you can visit Kilmainham Gaol, the Kilmainham Prison. After the failure of the Easter Rising, rebel leaders were incarcerated here, joining a long list of nationalists already held here, from Charles Stewart Parnell to Robert Emmet. More than a dozen men were shot, including James Connolly. The blood of these « martyrs » has made Kilmainham Gaol a sacred site of the Irish Republic.
Main photo credit: Flickr – sean hobson