Hotel Kakola. Voluntarily in prison.

Aivar Hanson, 23.09.2024

Although only 42 metres above sea level, Kakola Hill is visible from all sides of Turku city. In the past, as the site of one of Finland's most notorious prisons, it was looked upon with dread. Now it's the envied residential area where everyone wants to live. And home to one of the most unique hotels in Finland.

The area of the former prison covers the whole hill. It's no wonder, as the largest number of inmates at any one time in this 149-year-old prison was 1,300. The most serious criminals were held here. In the criminal world, it was an honour to be in Kakola Prison. Here, a small rose was tattooed on the shoulder of the inmate. The person who received this badge belonged to Finland's criminal elite.

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Hotel Kakola. Voluntarily in prison.