Karosta prison, Military prison museum in Liepāja, Latvia.
Karosta prison is a former military detention facility in Liepaja that preserves original cells, isolation chambers, and corridors in their exact configuration from when the facility operated until 1997. The spaces remain largely unchanged and provide direct insight into how a prison was organized.
The facility was built in 1894 during Tsarist rule as a military prison for holding various categories of prisoners. Under Soviet control in the 20th century, it became heavily used for political detainees and suspects during periods of intense state repression.
The museum displays exhibitions covering different detention periods with artifacts and documents from the Tsarist era, independent Latvia, and Soviet occupation times. Visitors encounter personal items and written records that document the daily lives of those who were held here.
Visits are best done through a planned tour since access is organized this way and casual visits are not available for all areas. It is helpful to arrange your visit in advance so you can choose a time that works for you.
The museum offers the rare chance to spend a night in authentic prison cells under conditions similar to those of past inmates, or to participate in escape room challenges. These immersive experiences allow visitors to understand the reality of imprisonment in a more personal way.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
