Butyrskaya Prison, Russia

There are several historical prisons in Moscow. Butyrskaya prison is considered the most famous of them. Officially, it is called Pre-Trial Detention Center No. 2. The prison building is the most valuable historical and architectural monument for the Russian capital. Butyrsky Khutor was located on the site of the current prison during the reign of Catherine II. It was decided to build a barracks for the Butyrsky Hussar Regiment in it. It was converted into prison later. Many famous personalities served their sentences in it.

It was here that Yemelyan Pugachev spent the last days of his life. His cell was located in the basement of the prison tower. This tower is one of the main features of the architectural monument. It is named in honor of Pugachev. The building of the old barracks began to be rebuilt by the order of Catherine II in 1784. A large castle was built in its place. Guests of the capital can see it today. The famous architect Matvey Kazakov worked on the design of the prison castle.

Many well-known public and cultural figures were held in prison during the years of its operation. They were suspected of high treason. It was here that Felix Dzerzhinsky, Vladimir Mayakovsky, Osip Mandelstam, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, and Sergei Korolev served their sentences. The history of Butyrskaya prison is full of incredible events. A large group of counterfeiters was discovered within its walls at the end of the 19th century. Surprisingly, they managed to successfully work for many years in strict prison conditions.

One of the most unusual events in the history of the prison took place in 1908. The performance of the world-famous illusionist Harry Houdini took place in it at this time. The workshops were located within the walls of Butyrskaya prison during the Great Patriotic War. The prisoners produced the supplies needed for the army in them. The opening of the thematic museum took place within the walls of the prison in 1971. But not everyone can visit it. The application of a legal entity is required for the organization of the tour. Students of law and law enforcement specialties are the main visitors of the museum. Next - San Quentin State Prison