Graz-Karlau Prison, Provincial prison in Gries district, Graz, Austria
Graz-Karlau is a provincial detention facility located near the Gries district, comprising multiple buildings with fortified walls and guard towers that dominate the surrounding area. The complex houses hundreds of cells within structures that blend historical and modern security infrastructure.
Originally constructed as Dobel Castle from 1584 to 1590, the structure became a workhouse in 1769 before converting to a provincial prison in 1803. The facility suffered significant bombing damage during World War II, which caused considerable loss of life.
The prison demonstrates the evolution of Austrian penal systems through its architecture, operations, and integration into Graz's urban development.
The facility is located at Mauergasse 24 in Graz and can be visited through organized guided tours that must be arranged in advance. Visitors should check access requirements and book their visit beforehand to ensure entry.
The building still displays traces of its original function as a Renaissance castle in its exterior design and architectural details visible to visitors. This combination of fortress and palace architecture creates an unusual appearance for a detention facility.
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