Museo del Carcere Le Nuove
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Museo del Carcere Le Nuove

4.6
·1k reviews·Torino, Italy

Explore a former 19th-century prison, uncovering Nazi torture cells, an air-raid shelter, and a chapel. A deeply moving historical journey.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Saturday & Sunday afternoons

For the exclusive bunker tour

CrowdMedium
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Museo del Carcere Le Nuove

Museo del Carcere Le Nuove

Best Time

Saturday & Sunday afternoons

For the exclusive bunker tour

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore a former 19th-century prison, uncovering Nazi torture cells, an air-raid shelter, and a chapel. A deeply moving historical journey.

4.6
(1k reviews)

"A highly recommended, thought-provoking, and emotional experience for a break from typical sights."

Vertical photo
TIP

English Audio Guide Available

QR codes in rooms provide English text/audio, bridging the language gap for non-Italian speakers. :iphone:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The tour is long and involves a lot of standing and walking. :athletic_shoe:

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Nazi Torture Cells

Nazi Torture Cells

Witness the chilling remnants of WWII interrogation rooms, a stark reminder of past atrocities.

Air-Raid Shelter

Air-Raid Shelter

Explore the underground bunker, a refuge during wartime, offering a different perspective on the prison's history.

Chapel of the Condemned

Chapel of the Condemned

A poignant space within the prison, reflecting the spiritual struggles of its former inmates.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for the Bunker Tour

The fascinating bunker tour requires advance booking and is only available on Saturdays and Sundays at 5:15 PM. Don't miss this unique part of the prison's history.

Language & Tour Pace

Tours are primarily in Italian, but QR codes offer English audio guides or text. The pace can be brisk, so be prepared to keep up to see everything.

Best Times

When
Saturday & Sunday afternoons
Why
For the exclusive bunker tour
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more reflective
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

English Audio Guide Available

QR codes in rooms provide English text/audio, bridging the language gap for non-Italian speakers. :iphone:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The tour is long and involves a lot of standing and walking. :athletic_shoe:

Book Bunker Tour in Advance

This special tour requires reservations and has limited slots. :ticket:

Prepare for an Emotional Visit

The prison's history is heavy; expect a thought-provoking and somber experience. :pleading_face:

Tips

from all over the internet

English Audio Guide Available

QR codes in rooms provide English text/audio, bridging the language gap for non-Italian speakers. :iphone:

Wear Comfortable Shoes

The tour is long and involves a lot of standing and walking. :athletic_shoe:

Book Bunker Tour in Advance

This special tour requires reservations and has limited slots. :ticket:

Prepare for an Emotional Visit

The prison's history is heavy; expect a thought-provoking and somber experience. :pleading_face:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(1k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find the Museo del Carcere Le Nuove to be a profoundly moving and thought-provoking experience, offering a stark look at the prison's history, especially its WWII era. While the tours are primarily in Italian, English audio guides are available via QR codes. Some find the tour pace brisk, and the bunker tour requires advance booking.

"The tour is only in Italian but most rooms have qr codes in them for an English audio guide or text. The tempo is OK, if you are happy with seeing many things. If you want to see everything, you won't have time for it as the guide pushes on with the tour."

Karin Pollimann

"The prison itself is quite an experience. You feel the sad energy all around. However, it's tour with guide only and it's all in italian. Even the objects and exhibits labels are in italian, só if you do not speak or understand the language, you'll only be able to enjoy the sightseeing. The woman guide was extremely nice, she spoke very slowly to help us understand better.
The tour to the prison is quite long and you'll have to be up for quite some time so it can become tiring.
The bunker tour is only made by reservation and on saturdays and sundays, at 5:15 pm"

Diana Campos

"Great tour. Very thorough, thought provoking, and emotional. Highly recommend for anyone looking for a break from castles and churches while in Turin."

Tracey Vanasco

What People Like

Emotional and thought-provoking
Historical significance
English audio guides available

What People Dislike

Tour pace can be fast
Bunker tour booking needed

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Museo del Carcere Le Nuove is accessible by public transport. Several bus lines stop nearby. You can also take a taxi or rideshare service for a more direct route. Check local transit apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.

Parking in the vicinity of the former prison can be challenging. It's advisable to use public transportation or consider a rideshare service to avoid parking hassles.

Depending on your starting point in Turin, walking might be an option, but it's a significant distance from the absolute city center. It's best to check a map for estimated walking times.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, and it's recommended to check the official website or contact them directly for the most current admission fees. Booking in advance is often advised, especially for special tours.

Opening hours can change, and the schedule for the bunker tour is particularly specific. Always verify the current operating hours on their official website before your visit. Reddit

While general admission might not always require advance booking, the special bunker tour is by reservation only. It's a good practice to book ahead to secure your spot, especially for weekend tours. Reddit

Yes, there are different tours, including the main prison tour and a specialized bunker tour which requires separate booking and has specific timings. Reddit

The tours can be quite long, often involving a significant amount of standing and walking. Be prepared for an extended visit, as the guides move through the various sections of the prison. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The primary tours are conducted in Italian. However, many rooms are equipped with QR codes that provide access to an English audio guide or text, making the experience accessible to non-Italian speakers. Reddit

Visitors often describe the atmosphere as somber, emotional, and thought-provoking, due to the prison's history of suffering and confinement. Reddit

Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the museum staff upon arrival or look for signage regarding photography restrictions within certain areas.

Due to the sensitive and often disturbing history of the prison, it may not be suitable for very young children. Consider the age and maturity of your children before planning a visit.

The museum covers various periods, notably focusing on the prison's use during the 19th century and its role during World War II, including Nazi occupation and resistance fighter stories. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Typically, historical sites like this do not have extensive dining facilities within the premises. It's advisable to plan for meals before or after your visit at nearby cafes or restaurants in Turin.

It's generally not permitted to consume food or drinks inside historical exhibition spaces to preserve the artifacts and atmosphere. Check the museum's specific rules.

📸 📸 Photography

Photography rules can be strict in historical and sensitive locations. Always look for signs or ask staff for permission before taking pictures to ensure you comply with their policy.

While respecting any restrictions, the stark architecture of the prison cells, the chapel, and the unique bunker environment offer compelling photographic opportunities. Focus on capturing the atmosphere and historical significance.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Older Children

The Museo del Carcere Le Nuove offers a unique educational opportunity for families with older children (teenagers and young adults) who are interested in history. The preserved prison cells and the WWII-era exhibits can be incredibly impactful, sparking discussions about historical events, human rights, and the importance of freedom. The availability of English audio guides via QR codes Reddit helps bridge any language gaps, making the content more accessible. However, parents should be mindful of the potentially disturbing nature of some exhibits and consider their children's maturity levels before visiting. The bunker tour Reddit can add an extra layer of intrigue for younger history buffs.

🤔 History Enthusiasts & Curious Travelers

For those seeking a break from typical tourist attractions like castles and churches, the Museo del Carcere Le Nuove provides a deeply thought-provoking and emotional experience.Reddit It offers a raw and unfiltered look into a significant part of Turin's past, particularly its role during WWII. The detailed exhibits and the preserved environment allow for an immersive journey into the lives of prisoners and the historical context of the time. Don't miss the chance to explore the underground bunker Reddit for a more comprehensive understanding of the site's multifaceted history.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Understanding the History of Le Nuove

The Museo del Carcere Le Nuove is housed in a former prison that has a complex and often dark history. Originally built in the mid-19th century, it served as a state prison for decades. Its walls have witnessed countless stories of confinement, punishment, and human resilience. The museum aims to preserve and convey these narratives, offering a tangible connection to Turin's past.

During World War II, Le Nuove took on a particularly grim role. It was used by the Nazi regime as a detention and torture center for political prisoners, resistance fighters, and those deemed enemies of the state. The cells and interrogation rooms from this period are a central focus of the museum's exhibits, providing a stark and emotional glimpse into the horrors of that era. The bunker tour specifically delves into this period, revealing hidden spaces used during air raids and for more clandestine activities. Reddit

Visiting Le Nuove is more than just a historical tour; it's an immersive and often emotional experience. The preserved cells, the chapel where condemned prisoners found solace, and the chilling accounts of suffering create a powerful atmosphere. It’s a place that encourages reflection on freedom, justice, and the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity. Reddit

Navigating the Tours and Language Barrier

The Museo del Carcere Le Nuove offers guided tours that are essential for understanding the full context of the former prison. While the main tours are conducted in Italian, the museum has implemented a thoughtful solution for international visitors. QR codes are strategically placed within various rooms, which, when scanned with a smartphone, provide access to an English audio guide or detailed text descriptions. This system allows visitors to follow along and absorb the historical information at their own pace. Reddit

It's important to note that the tour guides often move at a steady pace to cover all the designated areas within the allotted time. Some visitors have mentioned that the tour can feel a bit rushed if you wish to linger and absorb every detail. Therefore, being prepared for a somewhat brisk tempo is advisable. The bunker tour, in particular, is a separate, specialized experience that requires advance booking and has specific weekend timings, making it a unique opportunity for those interested in a deeper dive into the prison's wartime history. Reddit

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