Karosta Prison

Liepāja, Kurzeme Region, Latvia

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Karosta Prison in Liepāja, Latvia, was originally constructed around 1900 as part of a Russian naval base and served variously as a military prison under Tsarist Russia, Nazi Germany, Soviet occupation, and the Latvian state until it closed in 1997.

The prison is infamous for its harsh conditions and was known as a place to break the spirit of prisoners, including revolutionaries, deserters, and political prisoners, with none ever successfully escaping. Today, it has been transformed into a museum and a unique "experience" hotel where visitors can learn about its dark history through interactive tours, including reenactments of interrogations and punishments.

The prison retains much of its original architecture and atmosphere, drawing tourists interested in dark history and World War II and Soviet-era narratives. It is also reputed to be one of the most haunted places in the world, adding to its eerie allure.​