Racibórz Prison, 19th-century prison in Racibórz, Poland.
Racibórz Prison is a 19th-century penitentiary complex featuring a 35-meter (115 ft) central tower built in a cross-shaped layout. The structure spreads across multiple wings containing individual cells.
The foundation stone was laid in 1843, with construction completing in 1851 based on architectural designs from Berlin and Wrocław models. The facility later received monument status and remains an important part of the region's building heritage.
The prison displays Prussian-era architecture with Neo-Gothic details that reflect building traditions of that time. Visitors can see these design features throughout the complex.
When arriving, it helps to first get an overview of the cross-shaped layout to understand the different sections. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended since the grounds are spacious and require considerable walking.
The central tower was not originally a guard tower but served as an innovative water pressure system for the entire facility. This dual function shows the builders' clever engineering thinking.
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