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Wolvenplein Prison

The imposing structure was originally established in 1580 as a military stronghold.

Utrecht, Netherlands

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Weston Renoud
Wolvenplain prison from the canal   ErikHonig / CC BY-SA 3.0 NL
Interior green space   wrenoud / Atlas Obscura User
One of the three prison wings   wrenoud / Atlas Obscura User
Originally prisoners were only allowed outdoors one at a time in these isolated cells   wrenoud / Atlas Obscura User
Outdoor recreation space added as part of a modernization attempt   wrenoud / Atlas Obscura User
Windows in the former prison library   wrenoud / Atlas Obscura User
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About

The Wovenplein Prison was built in 1856. Based on the Pennsylvania System imported from the United States, Wolvenplein ("wolf square") was designed to isolate prisoners for contemplative penance. Permanently shuttered in 2014, the oldest cellular prison in the Netherlands, has been mostly converted to work, restaurant, and event spaces collectively known as De Vrije Wolf, which translates to "the free wolf."

Visitors can visit the former prison to see the former prisoners' living conditions. learn about the evolving correctional philosophy of the Netherlands, and discover the recent history of correctional reform.  

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Know Before You Go

Check the website for scheduled tours offered in Dutch. For tours in English, you must make a reservation by emailing bezoekwolvenburg@gmail.com — the cost is a flat rate of €50 for up to 20 people. If you have a small group, the guide may show you some areas that are hard to view with larger groups.

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Published

June 9, 2025

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