Former prison at Monastyrka

The Former Prison at Monastyrka comprises several buildings made of red brick with high perimeter walls and watchtowers positioned throughout the site. The layout was designed to manage and secure prisoners during their stay before being sent onward to their destinations.

Built in the 1890s, the facility served as a transfer point for prisoners bound for Siberian settlements and labor destinations. It played a key role in the Russian penal system during the final decades of the imperial era.

The complex now serves as a place where visitors can see how the Russian penal system operated and understand the lives of those held here. Walking through the buildings shows the daily conditions that prisoners experienced before their journeys onward.

The site is accessible on foot via Atamanskaya Street and offers guided tours to help visitors understand the different areas of the complex. Wear comfortable shoes since you will spend considerable time outdoors walking between the various buildings.

When it opened, the facility was equipped with advanced features like electric lighting and central heating, which were unusual for Russian prisons of that era. These installations showed a surprisingly modern approach to prison design and operations.

Location: Saint Petersburg

Inception: 1890s

GPS coordinates: 59.91891,30.37909

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:21