Kakolanmäki, Summit in Turku, Finland
Kakolanmäki is a hill in Turku with steep slopes that offers views across the city and the Aura River. The summit and slopes are occupied by former prison buildings now converted into restaurants, a hotel, and a brewery.
A prison was built on this hill and operated there for more than 100 years before closing in 2007. After its closure, the buildings were transformed into a modern recreation area with dining and lodging facilities.
Today visitors experience this summit as a recreation and observation point where people stroll and enjoy views over the city. The location has shed its former purpose entirely and now serves as a place where people gather and spend time together.
A funicular railway connects the base of the hill to the summit and provides regular trips up. Visitors should allow time to enjoy the views and explore the new facilities including restaurants and the brewery.
Visitors can stay in hotel rooms that were once prison cells and retain their original structure and proportions. This unusual conversion creates a thought-provoking yet contemporary experience for those who sleep there.
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