Karosta Prison
Karostas cietums
A detention cell built for the Russian navy, later used by the Soviet army as a prison and still in use until 1997. Visitors can take an immersive 'imprisonment' experience and even spend the night in a cell.
Karosta Prison was built around 1900 as a detention facility for the Russian imperial navy. It was later used by the Latvian army, Nazi Germany, the Soviet army and the post-independence Latvian army, and it was finally closed in 1997. It is one of the few military prisons in Europe open to tourists. A standard guided tour takes about an hour and covers the cells, interrogation rooms and prisoners' stories. In the 'Behind Bars' interactive experience, staff playing prison guards shout orders at you, so you can experience how prisoners were treated. Bolder visitors can book a night in a cell. The experience is intense, so think carefully before bringing children.
Opening hours
May–Sep, about 10:00–18:00
Nearby sights
- St. Nicholas Naval Cathedral
- Karosta
- Oskars Kalpaks Bridge
- Liepāja Tram
- Karosta Northern Pier
- Great Amber Concert Hall
- Holy Trinity Cathedral
- Rose Square