Kakola

Kakola is a former prison located in Turku, Finland. The prison was in operation from 1892 to 2007 and was one of the largest correctional facilities in Finland. The imposing stone buildings of Kakola are a prominent landmark in the city, situated on a hill overlooking the Aura River. Over its history, Kakola housed a wide range of inmates, from petty criminals to those convicted of serious offenses.

The name "Kakola" is derived from the Finnish word "kakola," which can refer to a place of confinement or a cell. Throughout its operational years, the prison underwent several expansions and renovations to accommodate the growing inmate population and to comply with evolving penal standards. The closure of Kakola in 2007 marked the end of an era in Finnish penal history, as inmates were transferred to newer, more modern facilities.

Following its closure, the future of the Kakola site was a subject of much discussion. It was eventually redeveloped into a mixed-use complex, incorporating residential apartments, hotel rooms, restaurants, and office spaces. The redevelopment aimed to preserve the historical character of the buildings while giving them a new purpose. Today, Kakola is a popular tourist destination and a testament to the adaptive reuse of historical industrial and institutional sites. The original prison architecture remains largely intact, offering a glimpse into the past for visitors and residents alike.