Gefängnis Heidelberg, Former correctional facility in Old Town, Germany
Gefängnis Heidelberg is a former prison building in the Old Town constructed from red sandstone and located on a hillside in southern Heidelberg. An eastern wing was later added to expand the original structure and provide additional space.
The building was constructed between 1847 and 1848 by architect Ludwig Lendorff and served for over a century as a branch of the Mannheim Penitentiary. It operated for more than 150 years before closing in 2015.
The building is known locally as 'Fauler Pelz' and shows how prisons were designed in the 19th century. Visitors can see in the red sandstone construction and hillside location how institutional buildings looked during that era.
The building sits on a hillside, so visitors should expect stairs and uneven ground. Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear are recommended for exploring the site.
Since 2023, a forensic psychiatric facility has used the building to treat patients. This adaptation shows how historic structures can be repurposed for contemporary medical needs.
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