Roter Ochse, Prison and memorial in Halle (Saale), Germany.
The Roter Ochse is a prison facility in Halle (Saale) with distinctive red brick walls that enclose multiple cell blocks arranged in a 19th-century layout. The structure displays typical features of historical prison architecture with different wings and areas that served various purposes over many decades.
The facility was founded in 1842 as a Prussian prison and experienced profound changes under different governing systems, particularly during World War II and the East German period. These different phases left varying marks on how the building was used and operated.
The name "Red Ox" refers to the distinctive red brick walls that define the building's appearance and make it a recognizable landmark. Visitors can see today how these red walls shape the place's character and how the memorial preserves accounts from people who were held here under different political systems.
The memorial section is open to visitors on most days and offers information about the site's history. It makes sense to check ahead whether guided tours are available, as these provide additional details and context.
What sets this place apart is that it houses both an active prison and a publicly accessible memorial section at the same site, which is an unusual combination. This dual function allows visitors to experience both current and historical aspects of justice administration in one location.
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