Regina Coeli, Prison in Trastevere district, Rome, Italy.
Regina Coeli is a detention facility in Trastevere that occupies a former convent building with thick stone walls and solid architecture. The layout features multiple cell blocks arranged around a central courtyard, following the original monastic design.
The structure was originally built as a convent in 1654 and later transformed into Rome's primary detention center in 1881 under Kingdom of Italy administration. This conversion marked the shift from religious to state control during the 19th century.
The facility takes its name from the chapel in the central courtyard, dedicated to the Queen of Heaven. Visitors can still observe the original architectural details and religious elements that reflect its origins as a religious community.
The building is visible from outside, but public visits are typically not permitted as it is an active detention facility. Visitors can observe the structure and its architecture from the Trastevere streets nearby.
During World War II, a secret section operated under SS control where prisoners were held before deportation. This often-overlooked chapter reveals a lesser-known aspect of Rome's wartime history.
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