Ex-Carcel (x-prison) Valparaíso

The Ex-Carcel is A Must for any Tourist

Get lost for a few hours in the "ex-carcel" in Valparaíso. The jail was used to until 1996. It is hard to believe that each tiny room held at least six prisoners and a section of the prison does not let any light in. The Pinochet government was planning to expand and rebuild the prison during his regime, but work was stopped.

The Ex-Carcel is now considered a cultural site and is open to the public.



You will find hundreds of works of art on the walls of the jail. Some people have referred to it as an "anarchist playground" because of the walls covered with graffiti.

The Ex-Carcel is in the "Cerro Carcel" (Prison Hill). A good way to get to the jail is by taking the "O" micro to Plaza Bismark and then walking down two blocks.

The remains of the Carcel might not be there forever, so go now! The Chile’s Public Works Ministry (MOP) and the Municipality of Valparaíso have discussed the prospect of building a cultural center including a raised plaza and a 300-seat theater.

For more information on the Ex-Carcel:
Building the Cultural Center