15 prisons to visit around the world: diving into the prison world

When you talk about tourism, you immediately think about the beach, the mountain or the big cities. Yet other places also attract the crowds. Prisons as a symbol sting the curiosity of some people. Here are some prisons in the world you can visit.

From the United States to England, to South Africa and Cambodia, famous prisons can be an original step in your tourist circuit. A special setting with a busy story. A moment of reflection on a totally unknown place. To imbue yourself with the atmosphere and tell your friends about this unusual visit, here are 14 prisons around the world that deserve a small visit from you.

Alcatraz – United States

How to start this selection without talking about the most famous prison in the world. Alcatraz is an island in San Francisco Bay, USA. The federal prison was in service from 1934 to 1963.

For example, you can discover cell 181, that of Al Capone who was imprisoned between 1934 and 1939. You will also be told about the escape of Frank Morris, a prisoner who escaped in 1962 without ever being found. Alcatraz prison is a true myth. There are many films and a TV series produced by J.J. Abrams.

Old Melbourne Gaol - Australia

To Melbourne , in Australia, you can visit the former prison 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.

The most famous Australian criminals were executed in this prison. Ned Kelly, Colin Campbell Ross or Frederick Bailey Deeming are among the 133 people executed. You can travel freely outside and inside the building to learn more about prison life on the Australian side.

Ile du Diable – French Guiana

In Guyane, the island of the Devil that integrates into the islands of Salvation was used as a bagn for many years. Among the most famous prisoners are Alfred Dreyfus (1895-1899), Charles Delescluze (1858-1860) and Henri Charrière (1906-1973). The latter described his sentence in the book Papillon which was then adapted to the screen with Steve McQueen and Dustin Hoffman.

A prison with a difficult equatorial climate that was conducive to many diseases. A real hell that you can now visit in shorts and sunglasses.

Oxford Castle – England

Between 1888 and 1996, Oxford Castle In England was used as a prison by the Kingdom. A majestic setting including the Tour Saint-Georges. You can fully put yourself in the mood by taking advantage of the hotel that has been set up.

You can now sleep in the old cells (remodeled in guest rooms). The complex is a call to tourists with many bars, guided tours and shows. It is far from the time when comfort was rudimentary and meals reduced to the strict minimum.

Horsens Statsfængsel – Denmark

In Denmark you can visit prison located in Horsens . It was opened between 1853 and 2006 before closing its doors. Today you can visit it and even attend concerts. In 2014, the Metallica group occurred between the walls of this unusual place.

By penetrating in this state prison, you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the prison universe. Cells, refectory or showers are accessible for the most curious tourists. No doubt, an atypical visit that will mark all spirits.

Eastern State Penitentiary – United States

This is another prison frequented by criminal Al Capone. This state prison is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was used as such from 1836 to 1971. This prison is particularly surprised by its neo-Gothic style and the rumours surrounding the institution.

A haunted building that attracts the curious and followers of paranormal phenomena. L’ Eastern State Penitentiary has also influenced many prisons around the world. An architectural jewel for an unforgettable guided tour. It’s time to jump and enter for the first time in the prison box.

Port Arthur – Australia

There are prisons that are located in places that look heavenly. Yet, Port Arthur In Australia, is not a very appreciated place when you are a criminal. Located in Tasmania, this property was opened from 1833 to 1877. A bag where the prisoners of all the Common Wealth were sent.

A place classified as World Heritage and has a very interesting museum where you can discover the lives of prisoners, their daily lives and some testimonies. A visit that will not leave anyone indifferent.

Hotel Celica - Slovenia

If you have the chance to visit Slovenia, you can stay at Hostel Celica located in the capital Ljubljana . Why? This facility was set up in an old prison. An original youth hostel since world artists have redecorated the old cells.

An ideal place to spend a night away from all the usual standards. Break monotony by imagining yourself behind bars. Forget the austere setting of traditional prisons and magically rediscover the formidable frescoes of artists.

Robben Island

– South Africa

Probably one of the most famous islands in South Africa. Robben Island has a prison that has seen prominent political opponents and prisoners march. This is where Nelson Mandela broke stones for 18 years before becoming President in 1994. Jacob Zuma or Tokyo Sexwale were also imprisoned.

In 1997, a museum sees the day . Since then, millions of tourists traveling to Cap come to discover the daily life of the prisoners of the time. A dive in hell of the great names of South Africa. An instructive and important course for memory duty.

Fremantle Prison – Australia

Fremantle prison , located in a suburb of Perth in Australia, was functional from 1857 to 1991. A place where many executions have been carried out. 44 people killed during the whole period of the prison.

Today, the prison is open to the public and many visitors come every year to discover the history of this building. On the programme, tunnels, cells and art of former and current prisoners. An original way to discover the history of Western Australia.

Sultanahmet Prison – Turkey

Instead of the former Sultanahmet prison is now the Four Seasons hotel . A luxury hotel that began in 1996 after a renovation of the prison. The latter was opened from 1919 to 1969.

An original place to spend a night in Istanbul and discover the history of Turkey from a new angle. Don’t hesitate to walk through the hotel’s corridors to imagine the places before.

Tower of London – England

It is one of the world’s most famous prisons. Tower of London received prisoners from 1100. Inscribed today at UNESCO World Heritage, the Tower of London saw Edouard V, Anne Boleyn, William Wallace and Thomas More between its walls.

This building welcomes millions of visitors every year and is an essential milestone in the English capital.

Tuol Sleng – Cambodia

Tuol Sleng prison is the symbol of the dictatorship of the red Khmers led by Pol Pot. This prison, located in Phnom Penh , welcomed nearly 14,000 people. Since 1980, you can visit the places and museum dedicated to the Khmer genocide.

A mandatory step to learn about Cambodia’s history and to know the fate of people at the time.

Hotel Katajanokka - Finland

In Helsinki, Finland, Katajanokka prison was effective from 1837 to 2002. A major place in the country’s prison universe. Today, a hotel was built between its walls. What to offer you an unusual and unforgettable night for your trip to Finland. The most curious will appreciate the architectural style and history of the building.

Kilmainham Prison – Ireland

In the suburbs of Dublin, it is possible to visit the Kilmainham Gaol Kilmainham Prison. After the failure of the Easter Insurrection, the rebel leaders were imprisoned here, joining a long list of nationalists already detained here, from Charles Stewart Parnell to Robert Emmet. More than a dozen men were killed, including James Connolly. The blood of these martyrs made Kilmainham Gaol a sacred place of the Republic of Ireland.

Main photo credit: Flickr – sean hobson