Penal de El Dueso, Prison en Espagne
Penal de El Dueso is a prison complex in Santoña, Cantabria, located in a quiet area near the sea and surrounded by marshland and pasture. The site spans a large area with sturdy stone buildings, cell blocks, work areas, and outdoor spaces that reflect the typical layout of a penal facility.
The site was originally a fortress called Imperial built by French troops under Napoleon. It was founded as a penal colony in 1907 to experiment with new reformatory models of prison management.
The prison takes its name from the El Dueso area where it was built in Santoña. Over time, it has become a place where inmates learn about environmental protection and nature conservation through programs focused on the surrounding wetlands and wildlife.
The site is surrounded by marshland and natural protected areas, so visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for changing weather. There are paths crossing the grounds, but some areas are not open to the public and require guided tours for full access.
An international conservation program called SEO/Birdlife operates within the prison and has won awards for its innovative methods where inmates observe and protect birds and ecosystems of the surrounding wetlands. This unusual combination of incarceration and nature conservation demonstrates how historic sites can serve new purposes for personal transformation.
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