Cayenne's Prison, Penal colony in Cayenne, French Guiana.
The colonial prison complex spans multiple buildings across the mainland and islands, featuring cells, administrative structures, and fortified walls along the coast.
Between 1852 and 1953, more than 80,000 prisoners from France arrived at this penal colony, facing extreme conditions in the tropical climate.
The prison system influenced numerous literary works and inspired public debates about colonial justice, punishment methods, and human rights in France.
The former prison grounds contain restored sections that demonstrate the living conditions of inmates through preserved cells and work areas.
The facility maintained three distinct zones: Île Royale for reception, Saint-Joseph for isolation, and Devil's Island specifically for political detainees.
Location: Cayenne
Inception: 1852
GPS coordinates: 4.94444,-52.31667
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:36
This collection brings together penal institutions that have marked the history of incarceration worldwide through their architecture, detention conditions, or roles in major historical events. From the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, established in 2002 for holding individuals suspected of terrorism, to high-security facilities like Red Onion in Wise County, Virginia, these sites document the evolution of penal systems across continents. Among the institutions transformed into memorial sites, Diyarbakır Prison in Turkey stands out for its conversion into a cultural center and museum since 2019. Its 24 dormitories spread over two floors, its cells, and corridors allow visitors to explore this chapter of Turkish penal history. In Argentina, Mendoza Prison, built in the early 20th century, reflects the prison practices of that era and the development of the regional judicial system. Other facilities remain operational and raise questions about prisoners' rights and incarceration conditions. Gldani Prison in Tbilisi caused national protests in 2012 after images exposing systemic abuses were released, leading to major reforms in the Georgian penal system. Ciudad Barrios Prison in El Salvador continues to function as a correctional center in the eastern region of the country. These sites, spread across multiple continents, provide documented insights into penal practices in various political and social contexts. From Rwanda to North Korea, passing through Colombia and the United States, they help understand the evolution of judicial and correctional systems while raising current issues related to detention and rehabilitation.
Cayenne Cathedral
1.7 km
Fort Cépérou
2.3 km
Place des Palmistes
2 km
Prefecture hotel of French Guiana
1.9 km
Museo departamental Alexandre-Franconie
2.1 km
Statue of Victor Schœlcher
2.2 km
Jardin botanique de Cayenne
728 m
Colonne de la république
2 km
Statue of Félix Éboué
2 km
Place du Coq
2.2 km
Salines de Montjoly
5.1 km
Maison-Musée de Félix Éboué
1.5 km
Collège Eugène Nonnon
1.7 km
Hôpital Jean Martial
1.7 km
Externat Saint-Joseph de Cayenne
1.8 km
Maison Thémire
2.1 km
Place Léopold-Héder
2.2 km
Bibliothèque Franconie
2.1 km
École Joséphine-Horth
2.1 km
Ancienne douane
2.4 km
Immeuble Delabergerie
1.3 km
Conseil général de Cayenne
2.1 km
Fontaine de Montravel
2.2 km
Lavoir de Cayenne
1.3 km
Plage Bourda
3.9 km
Maison Franconie
2.1 km
Museum of Guyanese Cultures
1.5 km
Maison, 6 rue du Fort
2.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes