Gevangenpoort, Medieval city gate and prison museum at Buitenhof, The Hague, Netherlands.
The Prison Gate is a medieval fortified entrance and former detention facility at Buitenhof in The Hague with thick stone walls and narrow passages. The interior contains cells, interrogation rooms, and separate quarters that housed different types of prisoners throughout its operation.
The structure was built as a city gate from the 13th century and transitioned to serving as the primary prison for the Court of Holland starting in 1420. Its use as a detention facility ended in 1828, after which it was converted into a museum.
The name Prison Gate reflects its dual role as both entrance and detention facility for the court. Visitors can see how the space was organized to separate different types of prisoners based on their social status and crimes.
Visitors can explore the spaces independently or join guided tours available in multiple languages that move through the cells and historical rooms. Mornings offer a quieter experience with fewer visitors crowding the narrow passages.
Wealthy prisoners were housed in a separate chamber called the Knights Room, where they could sleep in private beds and enjoy other comforts. They were even permitted to order meals from nearby taverns, turning their confinement into a notably different experience from other inmates.
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