Exploring the Eerie and Haunting Abandoned Prisons Around the World
Abandoned prisons are eerie, haunting and often hold a dark history. They attract urban explorers from all over the world who seek to uncover the secrets that lie within their walls. These structures stand as a reminder of how far we have come in terms of prison reform. In this post, we will take a look at some of the abandoned prisons around the world that have left an indelible mark on history.
One such prison is Eastern State Penitentiary located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was built in 1829 and operated until 1971. The prison’s most distinctive feature is its radial design with cellblocks radiating outwards from a central hub. This design was intended to keep prisoners isolated so they could reflect on their crimes and repent for their sins.
Another famous abandoned prison is Alcatraz Island, located off the coast of San Francisco Bay in California. This maximum-security federal penitentiary operated from 1934 to 1963 and housed some of America’s most notorious criminals including Al Capone and Robert Stroud (the “Birdman of Alcatraz”). Due to its location on an island surrounded by rough waters, it was considered one of the most secure prisons in the United States.
In Europe, Hohenschönhausen Prison located in Berlin, Germany served as a political detention center during World War II and later as a Stasi prison during East German times. It held thousands of political prisoners who were subjected to physical torture and psychological manipulation.
The Carandiru Penitentiary located in São Paulo Brazil was once home to more than 8,000 inmates making it one of the largest prisons in Latin America before it was closed down due to various human rights violations including overcrowding leading up to brutal uprisings resulting in multiple deaths.
Moving over now to Africa where Robben Island Prison stands tall on Robben Island near Cape Town South Africa where Nelson Mandela, the country’s first black president was incarcerated for 18 years. The prison operated from 1961 to 1996 and now serves as a museum.
In Asia, we take a look at the Bang Kwang Central Prison located in Nonthaburi Province, Thailand. This maximum-security prison is known for its strict rules and regulations with inmates being forced to wear leg irons for the duration of their sentence. It has been dubbed “The Bangkok Hilton” by foreigners who have served time in this prison.
The Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center in Cebu City, Philippines became famous for its dance routines that went viral on social media. Inmates were taught dances such as Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” which they performed en masse garnering millions of views worldwide.
Abandoned prisons are often seen as a symbol of oppression but there are some exceptions where these structures have been converted into public spaces including museums or even luxury hotels. The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul located in Turkey was once an Ottoman Empire-era prison complex that had been abandoned since the early 2000s before it was restored into one of Istanbul’s most luxurious accommodations.
In conclusion, abandoned prisons around the world hold historical significance and attract droves of urban explorers eager to uncover their secrets. While some may be repurposed and given new life others will remain standing as reminders of our past mistakes and how far we still need to go when it comes to criminal justice reform.