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All Latvia Liepāja Karosta Prison Hotel

Karosta Prison Hotel

Guests become prisoners on a visit to Latvian prison.

Liepāja, Latvia

Added By
ser flac
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“Guests,” are led through the Prison  
  janchix / Atlas Obscura User
A guard walks past prisoners, it’s all part of the experience   http://www.gothic-culture.com/europe/85-ka...
Beds at the Karosta Prison Hotel  
  janchix / Atlas Obscura User
  janchix / Atlas Obscura User
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About

Originally intended as an infirmary, for most of the 20th century Karosta Prison was actually used as a Nazi and Soviet military prison, in which hundreds of Latvian deserters were housed, sent to solitary confinement, or simply shot dead.

Today, guards still walk Karosta's halls and courageous people occupy its cells—even though the prison has been obsolete for decades. Prisoners have been replaced by tourists looking for an authentic jail experience in the form of a "boutique hotel."

On a visit to Karosta, visitors can take a quick guided tour, or opt for the full Karosta experience, which includes prisoner garb, interrogation, harassment and, finally, being locked into a cold cell for a night literally in prison.

Before embarking on the full prison experience, tourists are made aware that disobedience in the prison could result in insult or even physical punishment by means of exercise or cleaning. They are then required to sign an agreement. Be warned: Not all of the guards are completely fluent in English, and American visitors are often surprised by the amount of abuse they receive.

Other than its living inhabitants, Karosta Prison is said to house the spirits of many who died within its walls. So if you see a lightbulb unscrew or your cell door opens by itself, the culprit may in fact be a fellow prisoner from another era, trying to help you escape.

Related Tags

Hotels Crime And Punishment Prisons Places To Stay

Community Contributors

Added By

serflac

Edited By

ahvenas, AcreeMacam, atimian, janchix...

  • ahvenas
  • AcreeMacam
  • atimian
  • janchix
  • ryonen83

Published

September 16, 2011

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Sources
  • http://goeasteurope.about.com/b/2006/12/11/latvian-prison-hotel.htm
  • http://goeasteurope.about.com/od/latviatravel/p/karostaprisonhotelmuseum.htm
  • http://www.gothic-culture.com/europe/85-karosta-hotel-prison-in-latvia.html
  • http://famouslatvia.com/karosta-prison/
  • http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2358086/Karosta-Prison-Inside-converted-hotel-guests-verbally-abused-sleep-concrete-floors.html
Karosta Prison Hotel
Liepāja, LV-3414
Latvia
56.546314, 21.021032

Nearby Places

Saint Nicholas Naval Cathedral

Liepāja, Latvia

miles away

Karosta North Pier

Liepāja, Latvia

miles away

Liepaja Northern Forts

Liepāja, Latvia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Liepāja

Liepāja

Latvia

Places 4

Nearby Places

Saint Nicholas Naval Cathedral

Liepāja, Latvia

miles away

Karosta North Pier

Liepāja, Latvia

miles away

Liepaja Northern Forts

Liepāja, Latvia

miles away

Explore the Destination Guide

Photo of Liepāja

Liepāja

Latvia

Places 4

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