Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Eastern State Penitentiary Tour

One of my favourite tourist attractions in Philly was the Eastern State Penitentiary tour. M and I spent a good chunk of time walking around, listening to the audio guide, and taking two of the free tours provided. It was a bit spooky seeing the cells that convicts stayed in, learning about their escape routes, and climbing down into "The Hole" where the real troublemakers were sent. Very interesting stuff!

The penitentiary was in use from 1823-1971, then reopened in 1994 for historic tours. Here's what the inside looks like now. Old and decayed, but that's what gives it its charm.
This is what a cell looks like present day,
and what it would have looked like, way back when.
And here's Al Capone's cell. Very luxurious!
I'd definitely recommend a visit to the Eastern State Penitentiary if you ever visit Philly!

2 comments:

  1. If those walls could talk!!

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  2. I think it would be so claustrophobic to be in a cell that size.... creepy... but interesting...

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