Sinop Historical Fortress Prison
Tarihî Sinop Cezaevi
A century-old prison built inside a castle, where writer Sabahattin Ali was once held. Its damp, cold cells leave a lasting impression.
The prison was built inside Sinop Castle in 1887. Surrounded by the sea on three sides, it was almost impossible to escape from, and it earned the nickname 'Anatolia's Devil's Island.' It held many well-known writers and political prisoners. It was here that writer Sabahattin Ali wrote the famous song 'Never Mind, My Heart.' The prison closed in 1997 and was converted into a museum. Visitors can walk through the cells, corridors, exercise yard and solitary confinement cell, while display boards tell the stories of the prisoners. Tickets must be purchased, and prices are announced on site. Allow about 1.5 hours. The prison is on the west side of the peninsula's old town, about a 10-minute walk from the city center.
Opening hours
Approx. 9:00 am–7:00 pm (shorter hours in winter)
Nearby sights
- Alaaddin Mosque
- Süleyman Pervane Madrasa
- Sinop Castle
- Sinop Archaeological Museum
- Sinop Harbour Promenade
- Sinop Ethnography Museum
- Balatlar Church
- Paşa Tabyası