Where can I visit some of the world's most fascinating former prisons?

Detective Pux here, and today we're talking about former jails - yes, you read that right. Some of the world's most fascinating tourist attractions are former prisons and jails that have been repurposed into museums or other landmarks. Here are some of the best ones to add to your travel itinerary:

  1. Alcatraz Island, San Francisco, USA
    Ah, the infamous Alcatraz. This former maximum-security prison housed some of America's most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and George "Machine Gun" Kelly. Today, you can take a ferry to the island and tour the prison, learning about its fascinating history and the daring escape attempts of its inmates.

  2. Kilmainham Gaol, Dublin, Ireland
    Kilmainham Gaol is a former prison in Dublin that has been converted into a museum. It was built in the late 18th century and housed many of Ireland's most famous political prisoners, including those involved in the Easter Rising of 1916. Today, visitors can take guided tours of the prison and learn about its role in Irish history.

  3. Robben Island, Cape Town, South Africa
    Robben Island is perhaps best known for its most famous inmate, Nelson Mandela, who was held there for 18 years. Today, the island is a museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can take tours led by former political prisoners.

  4. Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Phnom Penh, Cambodia
    Tuol Sleng was once a high school, but during the Khmer Rouge regime in the 1970s, it was turned into a prison and interrogation center. Today, it serves as a museum and memorial to the thousands of people who were imprisoned and killed there.

  5. The Clink Prison Museum, London, UK
    The Clink Prison Museum in London is a fun and interactive way to learn about the history of crime and punishment in England. It was built on the site of the original Clink Prison, which was notorious for its harsh conditions and cruel punishments.

  6. Kresty Prison, St. Petersburg, Russia
    Kresty Prison is one of Russia's largest and most infamous prisons, known for its brutal conditions and overcrowding. Today, it is a museum that gives visitors a glimpse into the harsh realities of the Russian penal system.

  7. Fremantle Prison, Perth, Australia
    Fremantle Prison in Perth is a former maximum-security prison that operated for over 130 years. Visitors can take guided tours of the prison, including the underground tunnels that were used to transport prisoners.

  8. Hohenschönhausen Prison, Berlin, Germany
    Hohenschönhausen Prison was a former political prison in East Germany, and it has been preserved as a museum to educate visitors about the country's oppressive communist regime.

  9. Château d'If, Marseille, France
    Château d'If is a former fortress and prison located on a small island off the coast of Marseille. It is perhaps best known for its appearance in the classic novel "The Count of Monte Cristo."

  10. Quito's Historic Centre, Ecuador
    Quito's Historic Centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes several former prisons, including the infamous García Moreno Prison, which was known for its inhumane conditions.

So, there you have it - some of the world's best former jails to visit. While it may seem odd to want to visit a former prison, these sites offer a unique opportunity to learn about history and gain a deeper understanding of the justice system. Plus, they make for some seriously cool Instagram photos.