Antigua penitenciaría de Santiago, Former prison in Santiago Centro, Chile
Antigua Penitenciaría de Santiago is a former prison in Santiago featuring a symmetrical facade with a central tower and multiple courtyards arranged in a radial pattern. The structure displays the modern prison design approach typical of the 19th century.
The building was constructed in 1843 under General Manuel Bulnes and marked the beginning of Chile's modern prison system. This development signaled a shift in the country's approach to criminal justice.
The building reflects a turning point in Chilean prison reform, drawing on Jeremy Bentham's designs for prison oversight. This architecture was meant to enable more efficient control of prisoners.
The building is located at Pedro Montt 1902 and sits near Rondizzoni Metro Station on Line 2. The site is easily accessible by public transportation.
The building maintains its original panopticon design with a central minaret-style structure, making it one of the few preserved examples of its kind in Chile. The design enabled overseers to monitor all areas from the central point.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
