La Penitenciaría, Former detention center in Mendoza, Argentina.
La Penitenciaría is a former detention facility located on Avenida Boulogne Sur Mer that operated for several decades as a correctional institution and clandestine detention center during periods of political repression in Argentina.
Constructed in 1905 with foundation stone laid on land donated by Emilio Civit, this facility represented the first modern penitentiary design in Argentina based on humane treatment principles and radial architectural planning inspired by panopticon models.
The site serves as a memorial space dedicated to preserving the memory of human rights violations and political repression that occurred during the twentieth century, promoting education and reflection on civil liberties and justice in Argentine society.
The facility is open to visitors Monday through Friday from eight in the morning until six in the evening and is located at Avenida Boulogne Sur Mer 2136 with postal code M5500CRA.
The penitentiary features a radial architectural layout designed by Italian engineer Pompeyo Moneta that adopted panopticon principles with central surveillance tower allowing guards to monitor all cell blocks from a single observation point.
Location: Ciudad de Mendoza
Address: Av. Boulogne Sur Mer 2136, M5500CRA Mendoza, Argentina M5500
Opening Hours: Monday-Friday 08:00-18:00
Phone: +542614136100
GPS coordinates: -32.87501,-68.85909
Latest update: November 22, 2025 12:16
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.
Plaza Independencia
2.1 km
General San Martín Park
2.1 km
Museo del Área Fundacional
3 km
Bautista Gargantini Stadium
1.8 km
Museo de Ciencias Naturales y Antropológicas Juan Cornelio Moyano
2.7 km
Reserva natural Divisadero Largo
11.1 km
Our Lady of Loreto Cathedral, Mendoza
2.2 km
Mendoza Zoological Park
3 km
Teatro Independencia
1.9 km
Víctor Legrotaglie Stadium
1.1 km
Plaza España
2.6 km
Trolleybuses in Mendoza
4.1 km
Gómez Building
2.6 km
Plaza Pedro del Castillo
2.9 km
Palacio Policial de Mendoza
2.7 km
Estadio Omar Higinio Sperdutti
13.6 km
La Enoteca
2.8 km
Ruinas de San Francisco
2.8 km
General San Martin Historical Museum
2.2 km
Plaza Belgrano
3.1 km
Area Fundacional
2.9 km
Contemporary Art gallery Eliana Molinelli
2.3 km
Museo Regional Americanista
18.2 km
Colegio Nacional Agustín Alvarez
2.1 km
Chalets Giol y Gargantini
12.9 km
Biblioteca del Agua
1.9 km
Municipal Museum of Modern Art of Mendoza
2.2 km
Viñedos y Bodegas Arizu
4.1 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