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Seven of the most infamous prisons that are now a tourist destination

Eastern State Penitentiary, United States

Times have changed for good and one of the testimonies to this fact seems to be the transformation of some of the most notorious prisons in history to tourist attractions. While the likes of Andy Dufresne in “The Shawshank Redemption” and Hilts ‘The Cooler King’ in “The Great Escape” may have been able to pierce through the prison walls, the real prisoners of these infamous prisons were not that lucky. Some of the prisons across the globe which now function as museums have witnessed cruel oppression and suffering. They have been used as tools to suppress freedom struggles and/or the fight for equality. Below we take a sneak-peek at seven such prisons, which are now a symbol of human endeavour and his inner strength.

Alcatraz, United States

Well Isla de los Alcatraces, or the Isle of the Pelicans is the first one that comes to every American’s mind. Once home to the likes of Al Capone and George Kelly the prison has been a source of inspiration for writers as well as Hollywood. The prison, which held some of the notorious criminals of their time, is also known for its paranormal sightings. A number of famous Hollywood movies such as X-Men: The Last Stand and Catch Me If You Can have been shot at this island. According to the books fourteen different attempts were made 36 prisoners of whom no one was able to escape successfully.

Robben Island, South Africa

The prison turned museum, Robben Island is the same place where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned for 18 years. Now regarded as World Heritage site it was used in 1960s to imprison black people during apartheid in South Africa. Known for its notoriety around the globe the last of the prisoners left the island in 1991 and it closed down eventually in 1996. You can catch a ferry to the island from V&A Waterfront in Cape Town.

Presido Modelo, Cuba

Built on the island Isla de la Juventud in Cuba Presido Modelo was known is Panopticon design. This peculiar design allowed the officials to constantly observe the prisoners without them knowing that they are being observed all the time. It was built by dictator Gerardo Machado during 1926–1931 and has been a witness to more than 6000 prisoners including the likes of Fidel Castro. The building is now regarded as a national monument and serves as a museum.

Kilmainham Gaol, Ireland

Kilmainham Gaol was built in 1796 was used to confined important leaders of 1916 Easter Rising. The Gaol was infamous for imprisoning women, men and children in the same cell without any heat or light for days. Some of the known heroes of 1916 uprising such as Eamonn Ceannt, Tom Clarke and Cornelius Colbert were executed in this place. The prison now symbolizes the struggle against oppression and suffering. It is one of the most significant Irish monuments and offers you an insight into the Irish struggle for independence.

Chateau d’If, France

You might be already familiar with Chateau d’If in case you have read the famous novel “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Located on an island in Marseille it was built in the sixteenth century to protect the place from invasion. It was feared as one of the most notorious prison in its time and has been witness to 3500 French Protestants in its time. The prison was demilitarized and opened to public in September 23, 1890. It is now one of the popular tourist destinations in France.

Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Cambodia

Initially built as a high school the site was transformed into a security prison S-21 during the regime of Khmer Rouge in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Tuol Sleng has been witness to the torture and suppression of roughly 20000 prisoners. Surprisingly, all prisoners were photographed and were required to give their autobiographies. The Khmer Rouge was driven out in 1979 and the site now functions as a museum displaying the photographs of the ones imprisoned here in black and white from floor to the ceiling.

Eastern State Penitentiary, United States

Eastern State Penitentiary, United States

Opened in 1829 Eastern State Penitentiary is regarded as one of the first true penitentiary that aimed not to brutally punish but rather reform its prisoners. Each cell had a toilet, table, bunk and Bible and any sort of communication among the prisoners was not allowed. With the life of solitude forced upon them the system aimed to help them reflect on their deeds though it drove many among them to insanity. The prison even had mad chairs where the ones who went mad were strapped. The prison also has been in news for paranormal activity reported by many visitors who often hear the sounds of weeping and whispering from the walls. It was declared as a national historic landmark in 1965 and was opened for public in 1994.

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