Lukiškės Prison, Former prison complex in central Vilnius, Lithuania
Lukiškės Prison is a large building complex spanning an entire city block that contains multiple cell blocks, administrative buildings, and a central surveillance tower. The facility also features three worship spaces designed for prisoners of different faiths.
The complex was founded in 1904 and served as a prison for over a century, holding political opponents and resistance fighters during World War II. Among its inmates was future Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin.
The complex now hosts artist studios, galleries, and performance spaces that draw visitors regularly. This transformation shows how a former place of confinement became a living center for creative work.
Visitors can book guided tours in multiple languages to explore the cell blocks, courtyards, and administrative areas. Good walking shoes are recommended since the site has many stairs and uneven surfaces.
The complex served as a filming location for the fourth season of Netflix's Stranger Things, portraying a Soviet-era detention facility. This role brought the site attention from viewers of the show.
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