16 Abandoned Prisons That Are Now Must-See Tourist Spots

Old prisons are like history books that tell the dark history of confinement and punishment. Prisoners were often treated poorly and subject to less than humane conditions. Some of these prisons have been converted into museums and tourist sites where visitors can be educated about old prison systems and the life prisoners lived in these desolate places.

These are some of the abandoned prisons that have now gained popularity amongst history lovers and curious folk alike.

Eastern State Penitentiary – Philadelphia, USA

Eastern State Penitentiary was once considered the model of modern prisons, intended to promote penitence, reflection and its architects believed. Built in 1829, this massive structure once housed well known criminals such as Al Capone. Today it’s a spooky shell of itself, crumbling walls and overgrown courtyards and abandoned cells. The eerie atmosphere that is found at the prison is unforgettable, and especially so at the prison’s popular Halloween haunted tours.

Kilmainham Gaol – Dublin, Ireland

Kilmainham Gaol is Dublin’s most iconic historical site. Ireland’s history, especially the Irish struggle for independence, would not have been possible without it. Many political prisoners were housed in the prison, and the cold, stark cells reflected the time. Today you can go to Kilmainham and walk through the very cells from where revolutionaries were held and get a glimpse of Ireland’s past.

Port Arthur – Tasmania, Australia

One of Australia’s harshest penal colonies is Port Arthur, with a history that dates back to the 19th century and is where those who were time and again repeat offenders from Britain and Ireland were punished with the utmost severity. Nowadays the site is fairly eerie with ghost hunts, boat rides to the Isle of the Dead, and guided tours for those scared of the dark.

Alcatraz – San Francisco, USA

Alcatraz is perhaps the most famous prison in the world. Once home to some of America’s most dangerous criminals, Al Capone and the “Birdman” of Alcatraz, this prison was located on an island in San Francisco Bay. The prison closed in 1963, and the prison was turned into a national park and one of the top tourist attractions in California. The prison is isolated, there have been many famous escape attempts, and it’s a must-visit for travelers.

Old Melbourne Gaol – Melbourne, Australia

Once Australia’s most infamous criminals were brought to justice in the Old Melbourne Gaol. The prison, which opened in the mid-19th century, now functions as a museum and allows visitors to wander the cells, hear about their miserable conditions, and even view the gallows from which Kelly was hanged. It is an unforgettable stop on any trip to Melbourne because of the chilling atmosphere.

Pentridge Prison – Melbourne, Australia

Another infamous Australian lockup was Pentridge Prison for petty thieves, murderers, and everything in between. The prison was closed in 1997 and partially redeveloped into apartments and a shopping complex, but much of the original prison buildings remain. Visitors are led on guided tours, learning the history of the prison, including its infamous D Division, home to the worst of criminals.

Shrewsbury Prison – Shropshire, England

The Dana, or Shrewsbury Prison, closed its doors in 2013 but was soon reborn as a tourist attraction. The prison has a long history going back to the 18th century and offers tours that retell its long history of escape rooms, and executions.

Bodmin Jail – Cornwall, England

Bodmin Jail traces its haunting and execution-riddled history back to 1779. The prison is now partially restored and is now a museum that gives guests a taste of its melancholy history — some 50 prisoners were sentenced to die in the jail and their fates were documented. In fact, it’s become a popular ghost-hunting spot with tons of people claiming to see something paranormal during tours.

Crumlin Road Gaol – Belfast, Northern Ireland

In Crumlin Road Gaol you can feel the chill of Northern Ireland’s troubled past. Many of the country’s most turbulent years saw the Victorian era prison filled with political prisoners. Today, visitors may tour the prison and its execution chamber and the grim realities of those prisoners locked up within.

Robben Island – Cape Town, South Africa

Nelson Mandela spent 18 of his 27 prison years on Robben Island, and the island is synonymous with him. Today Robben Island is a UNESCO world heritage site and a symbol of the struggle and the fight for freedom and human rights. Former prisoners lead guided tours that provide intimate and powerful insight into life on the island.

Château de la Roche-Guyon – France

Château de la Roche-Guyon was originally built as a castle, but became a prison during World War II — housing French resistance fighters and political prisoners. Though picturesque, the dark history of this beautiful fortress is undeniable and visitors can go inside its dungeons and learn its famous story.

Maison Centrale – Hanoi, Vietnam

Maison Centrale was used by French colonists to imprison Vietnamese revolutionaries and later by North Vietnam to hold American prisoners of war, including Senator John McCain. The now museum offers exhibits on both the colonial time and the Vietnam War time and offers a sobering look at the brutal conditions that people found themselves in while detained there.

San Pedro Prison – La Paz, Bolivia

This might be the strangest entry on this list: San Pedro Prison. Unlike most prisons, it was home to whole families living alongside inmates, making it a bizarre community behind bars. Even though it is no longer an active prison, any tour of San Pedro provides guests with a rare look inside this strange social experiment in the middle of Bolivia’s capital.

Seodaemun Prison – Seoul, South Korea

Seodaemun Prison played a significant role and now symbolizes Korean independence from Japan. Constructed in 1908, it was where countless Korean freedom fighters lived during the Japanese occupation. Today it is a museum where visitors can learn about imprisonment and the fight for the country’s liberation.

Montana State Prison – Deer Lodge, USA

Montana State Prison closed in 1979, but the prison is still open as a museum. A big star for history buffs, its imposing stone walls and harsh conditions are likely enough to wean you away from existence. Visitors can walk through the prison cells, see the prison’s execution chamber and hear about the notorious inmates who once called this place home.

Sincan Prison – Ankara, Turkey

Sincan Prison is a symbol of Turkey’s political battles. The now-closed facility, which is a museum, was known for housing political prisoners during the country’s military coups. Considering history and human rights, a trip to the Sincan Prison is a sobering affair.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.

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