Prison of Dendermonde, Historic prison in Dendermonde, Belgium
The Prison of Dendermonde is a correctional facility in Belgium with thick stone walls, watchtowers, and a central courtyard built according to 19th-century design standards. The complex includes several sections containing cell blocks, administrative offices, and areas for inmates to spend time outdoors.
Construction of this correctional facility started in 1863 and introduced modern security measures that reflected the prison reform movements happening in Belgium at that time. The building was designed using principles that shaped how prisons were managed and how safety was understood in that era.
The exhibitions inside show objects and documents that reflect how the Belgian criminal justice system changed over time. Visitors can observe how punishment methods and treatment of detainees evolved through different periods.
Visitors can explore the site with guided tours that take you through former cell blocks, administrative spaces, and outdoor areas while explaining how daily routines worked. It is helpful to wear comfortable shoes since you will walk quite a bit and move through several levels of the building.
The facility sits near the Dender river and used water features as part of its defense system and overall security design. The river's natural position provided extra protection and was deliberately incorporated into how the prison guarded itself.
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