Gefängnis Zürich, Detention center in Rotwandstrasse, Zürich, Switzerland.
Gefängnis Zürich is a district prison located in the Wiedikon neighborhood serving the entire canton. The facility consists of connected buildings arranged around courtyards, housing inmates in different security classifications and rehabilitation programs.
The prison opened in 1916 and expanded significantly over the following decades to meet growing demand. Multiple renovations and structural additions reflected changing standards in correctional practices and penal philosophy.
The facility maintains separate sections for male and female inmates, reflecting Swiss correctional practices with an 18-bed ward dedicated to women prisoners.
The facility is open to visitors only with prior arrangements and scheduled tours of the grounds. Visitors should expect security procedures and should note that access to certain areas is restricted.
The prison housed Vitaly Kaloyev in 2005, who served time for killing an air traffic controller he held responsible for a plane crash.
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