Nizhny Novgorod prison, Former correctional facility in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
Nizhny Novgorod Prison is a large red brick structure built in the late imperial Russian style. The fortress-like complex features thick perimeter walls with corner watchtowers and an internal courtyard surrounded by cell blocks.
The facility was constructed during the late tsarist period and remained operational through the Soviet era. It housed political prisoners at different times, marking major transformations in Russia's approach to criminal justice.
The building's layout and design reveal how Russian approaches to punishment and confinement evolved over time. Visitors notice these changes reflected in the various sections and their different conditions.
The facility is accessible for guided tours during regular opening hours, though booking ahead is advisable. Visitors should prepare for uneven floors, narrow passages, and steep stairs throughout the different sections.
The central courtyard contains scratches and markings left by inmates accumulated over many decades. These spontaneous engravings form an accidental record of the countless people who passed through the facility.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
