10 Abandoned Prisons and Jails That Will Give You Chills
Abandoned prisons and jails have a certain eerie charm to them that appeal to urban explorers. The following are ten of the most intriguing abandoned prisons and jails across the world.
1. Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania:
Opened in 1829, this prison was one of the first modern-era penitentiaries. It housed some of the most notorious criminals such as Al Capone and Willie Sutton before it was shut down in 1971.
2. Patarei Prison, Estonia:
This Soviet-era prison operated from the early 1900s until its closure in 2005. Its cramped cells and torture chambers make for an unsettling exploration experience.
3. Halden Prison, Norway:
One of the more recent facilities on this list, Halden Prison opened in 2010 with a focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment. Despite its modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs and designer furniture, it has been abandoned since its closure due to budget cuts in 2019.
4. West Virginia Penitentiary, West Virginia:
Dubbed “The Bloodiest Prison in America,” this facility operated from 1876 until its closure in 1995 after numerous riots and inmate deaths attributed to overcrowding.
5. Presidio Modelo, Cuba:
Famous for housing Fidel Castro during his imprisonment after his failed attack on Moncada Barracks, this Cuban prison dates back to the late-1920s but has been abandoned since its closing in 1967.
6. Kingston Penitentiary, Ontario:
Operating for over a century before being closed down in 2013 due to budget cuts; Kingston Penitentiary is notable for hosting several infamous convicts including Paul Bernardo who murdered three girls between1987-1992
7. Tower of London’s Torture Chamber
Located within one of England’s oldest buildings – The Tower Of London – This medieval chamber was used during the reign of Henry VIII to extract confessions from prisoners.
8. Joliet Correctional Center, Illinois:
This prison was built in 1858 and gained notoriety after it appeared in the Blues Brothers movie. It was closed down in 2002 due to lack of funds and poor security measures.
9. Goli Otok, Croatia:
This former Yugoslavian prison operated from 1949 until its closure in 1988. It housed political prisoners under harsh conditions and has since become a popular tourist destination for urban explorers.
10. San Lucas Prison, Costa Rica:
This maximum-security prison located on an island off the coast of Costa Rica is renowned for its brutal treatment of inmates and numerous escape attempts by prisoners who would swim ashore but despite many attempts no one ever managed to stay free.
In conclusion, abandoned prisons and jails are some of the most fascinating places that urban explorers can explore around the world. From notorious facilities such as West Virginia Penitentiary which saw countless riots and inmate deaths over overcrowding issues or Patarei Prison known for its cramped cells and torture chambers; each location offers unique insights into humanity’s capacity for cruelty or redemption depending on your perspective.
Whether you are interested in history or enjoy experiencing eerie atmospheres firsthand, these abandoned prisons offer plenty of opportunities for exploration that will leave you with unforgettable memories that last a lifetime!