[2025 San Francisco Attraction] Travel Guide for Alcatraz Island (Updated Jul)

#hikingtrails Worth a trip to the island. Self guided tours with a headset you could tour at your own pace, pause headset, and continue. A lot of walking on a slight incline to get to actual jail, but worth it. When we went, a couple of areas were closed due to construction which was disappointing. The views are pretty incredible from the island and the steps are steep walking around the island so wear comfortable walking shoes. Super informative and the tour obviously was very interactive and immersive.

San Francisco has many new landmarks and memorable attractions. If you're planning to visit San Francisco in February, check out this itinerary! - 🚗The article includes travel routes, detailed attractions, and notes. Leave a comment if you want to know more about the surrounding area or city tours. - ✅Highlights: 🔥Alcatraz Island: San Francisco's top attraction, accessible by ferry 🔥Golden Gate Bridge: Famous for its unique architectural style and art deco elements 🔥Lombard Street: The world's most crooked street 🔥Fisherman's Wharf: Home to many restaurants and shops, and a great place to see sea lions 🔥Twin Peaks: 360-degree views of the city 🔥Golden Gate Park: Home to hills, woods, gardens, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Conservatory of Flowers 🔥Ghirardelli Square: Home to chocolate desserts, boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants - 👉San Francisco city attractions Union Square→Chinatown→Lombard Street→Cable Car Museum Fisherman's Wharf→Alcatraz Island→Palace of Fine Arts→Golden Gate Bridge Castro Street→Haight-Ashbury→Painted Ladies→Japantown - 👉8-day itinerary for San Francisco and surrounding areas D1: San Francisco D2: Carmel→17-Mile Drive→Highway 1→Los Angeles D3: Los Angeles D4: Los Angeles→Las Vegas→Kanab D5: Antelope Canyon→Horseshoe Bend→Glen Canyon Dam→Zion National Park→Las Vegas D6: Las Vegas D7: Las Vegas→Sequoia National Park D8: Silicon Valley - ⭐️Main airport: San Francisco International Airport (SFO), about 15 miles from downtown, 25 minutes by car - 🚗Transportation 1⃣Public transportation: Buses cover most of the city, and you can take a cable car 2⃣Sightseeing buses: Double-decker buses with similar routes and attraction introductions 2⃣Self-driving: Not recommended due to limited parking and steep hills, car rental is safer - 🌟Weather: San Francisco is mostly cloudy in February, with temperatures between 4°C and 17°C. There is a large temperature difference between day and night, and it is often breezy. 🌟Clothing: Wear soft, breathable, and sweat-absorbent cotton or thermal underwear; a sweater or sweatshirt; and a light jacket, windbreaker, or vest. Wear a thick vest or light down vest in the morning and evening, and a long-sleeved T-shirt and light jacket at noon. - 💢Notes: 👉Some areas of San Francisco are not safe, so avoid traveling alone at night 👉The weather is changeable in February, so check the weather forecast before traveling and bring rain gear and warm clothes 👉Fisherman's Wharf is mainly a port, and there is not much to see. You will need to walk a long way to see the sea lions -

Alcatraz Island in San Francisco allows you to visit the actual prison! It takes 15 to 20 minutes by boat from San Francisco! (Tickets sell out quickly, so we recommend buying them online early!) You can tour with a guide, or borrow a Japanese-speaking guide tape! This prison was once said to be impossible to escape from, but someone who had escaped in the past is said to have disappeared. You can see the room where that person actually made a hole and escaped. The sea breeze is strong and cold, so we recommend dressing warmly! There are also souvenir shops selling books about Alcatraz and replica tableware used in the prison! #prison #sanfrancisco #americatravel #california

Alcatraz Prison, Alcatraz Island - San Francisco, California. I have always wanted to go to Alcatraz so jumped at the chance during a 48 hour stop over in San Francisco. The prison has to be one of the most impressive museums I’ve been to in my life, the layout takes you through so much of the complex and is absolutely fascinating. The prison is infamous as it’s use a penitentiary between the 1930’s to the 1930’s but the museum also covers the lesser known period when it was occupied by native Americans during their national protest and fight for rights and recognition. There is so much left from both of these eras so you really get a sense of what it was like through its history. The boat ride back and forth from the pier also gives you stunning views of San Francisco and it’s iconic hills and vistas. Worth a trip for any history buffs and anyone that wants to better understand the history of this wonderful city. #sanfrancisco #alcatraz #california #urbanexplorer #america #history

I always wondered why would anyone pay a visit to a prison? This prison that I am talking about is the famous Alcatraz prison in San Francisco. In fact, the Alcatraz is one of the favourite or hot attractions to go to. My mindset changed after I Went for the prison tour and I was blown away by it. To get to Alcatraz, you would need to take a short ferry ride to get across. The prison sits on an island and the whole place was cold and gave off an eerie vibe. You could get an audio aid and tour the prison around yourself. The Alcatraz is no longer in use but it is still well preserved the way it was originally. From the prison cells, you could see how small it was and with minimal amenities for them, the Alcatraz was probably the worse prison for the worse criminals. Security was so tight then, that only 3 prisoners managed to escape the Alcatraz. The place is full of history and gave so much insights into prison life which is unknown to us. The Alcatraz is indeed a great experience and the tour is a must go if you're in San Francisco. #wecreate

Alcatraz Island A small island located in the middle of the San Francisco Bay, California, United States. 🇺🇸 ⭐️⭐️Currently, Alcatraz Island is a historical site that is part of the "Golden Gate National Recreation Area" and is open as a tourist attraction for tourists to visit by taking a ferry in San Francisco. ⭐️⭐️ **Coordinates** 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻 Alcatraz Island🇺🇸 San Francisco, CA 94133 United States #TravelAbroad #California #San Francisco

Come and see Alcatraz. There are also audio files for you to listen to. You can choose the language. So don’t worry about only having English options. You can choose day or night. It feels good and the atmosphere is there.

Alcatraz in San Francisco is located in San Francisco, California in the western United States. It is a historic tourist destination. You need to buy a ticket to visit the island. There are also related movies. Friends who are interested are recommended to come and check in for a trip.

Place: Alcatraz Island Country: USA, California, 1.6 miles off San Francisco coastline Very lovely place! Small Island in San Francisco, located one ferry away from the mainland. Visitors can take the guided tours with earpieces, or choose to explore the prison (and the island) by themselves. Quite a lot of uphill walking, so prepare to have a good climb! Quite windy as it’s in the middle of the ocean, with very nice views of San Francisco from the island. Highly recommend to all Random fact: It is heavily publicised that the Prison shut down after the great prison break of three prisoners, but in actuality, the prison had already decided to shut down due to lack of funds. #sanfransisco #usa #california

The Alcatraz Island is a popular tourists attraction as it was once an island of incarceration where this was a prison for the most dangerous criminal and it was heavily guarded by the military making this look like a Fort and almost impossible to break out of the island due to the prison being surrounded by waters. Now the prison has closed since the 1963 due to the very heavy cost of running this operation, it has become a tourist attraction where you will be able to go into the walls of the Fort to have a look at how the prisoners here once lived. Prisoners are separated with cell doors and you will learn the type of prisoners being sent here. You will also be able to walk the ground of the Alcatraz Island into the different building, the dinning Hall and there is now also a souvenir shop for you if you want to bring back some memories of this island. You will be able to learn the history behind the island and also the prisoners sufferings in here as well, to understand their way of life and their daily routine here. #bucketlistreboot #history #island #alcatrazisland #attraction #tourists #popular #sanfrancisco #mustvisit #historic #tour

One of the tourists thing to do in San Fransico is to visit the United Stayes Penitentiary Alcatraz Island located on the North of San Franisco mainland. The only way to get here is via a cruise by the Alcatraz Cruises which I believe is the only cruise to this island. It costs approx $42USD per person to and fro from the island and these cruise only takes about 10 - 15 minutes each way. This is a self guided experience on the island as there are boards being put up in the island foe your own reading, not sure of any guided tours here. But do give yourself at least half a day for this as the queue to this island can be quite long especially if you do not go there early. #bucketlistreboot #historic #history #sanfranisco #urbanexplorer #cruise #attraction #alcatrazisland #touritsattraction #mustvisit #america #unitedstates #island #prison

You’ve probably heard of Alcatraz, the famous penitentiary that housed all sorts of mobsters, gangsters and ne’er-do-wells. But did you know that you can actually tour the now-closed cell blocks? They’re some of the top things to see in California, and they’ll provide an incredible experience for people traveling to the Golden State. The first thing that you’ll need to do is hop on a ferry in San Francisco and ride out to the island. Once you’re ashore, you’re free to roam the land and check out all of the tourist attractions as you see fit. The prison is the biggest draw, of course, and there are audio tours of the facility available in multiple languages. But you can also explore the local lighthouse or the abandoned military fortresses of the island. There are even collections of rock pools and rare migratory birds for nature lovers.

#alcatraz island in near San Francisco in the state of #california in the so-called Bay Area. It was the most serious prison with huge security. Nowadays it is a famous tourist attraction. It is very convenient with free audio guides that give much information about some stories from the 60s #happynewyear

I visited Alcatraz Island, the filming location of the movie 'The Rock'. It was built as a military facility and then changed to a prison, and it is said that it was a place to hold notorious criminals. They say that there are sharks around it, so it is difficult to escape~ It was so meaningful to visit the place I saw in the movie as a child, and the movie came back to me vividly~^^ Address: San Francisco, CA 94133 USA ⭐️You have to make a reservation in advance~^^ 3~4 weeks in advance ⭐️The ship doesn't rock much, but it's quite a long ride. If you get seasick easily, prepare motion sickness medicine. #JulyTravelSupport #USTravel #CaliforniaTravel #SanFranciscoTouristAttractions #AlcatrazIsland #MovieFilmingLocation

The highlight of today's itinerary is Alcatraz Island, famously featured in the 1996 film "The Rock" starring Nicolas Cage. Originally a military fortress, it was later transformed into an impenetrable prison until March 21, 1963, when the last batch of inmates left the island. Since then, this isolated sea prison has become a popular tourist destination. The tour includes a Chinese audio guide that shares many lesser-known stories about the prison. After returning to the port, I strolled along the waterfront towards the Golden Gate Bridge, covering a distance of approximately 4.5 miles in about two hours. Walking closer to the bridge, the red line that initially looked as thin as a matchstick became increasingly striking. Upon reaching Fort Point, I was completely awestruck by its grandeur and beauty. This historic military fort was a significant site during the American Civil War. On the way back, I visited Lombard Street, a scenic steep street with eight hairpin turns, offering stunning views of the bridge, Coit Tower, and the bay. 📸 Alcatraz Island Federal Prison This iconic location, featured in Nicolas Cage's movie "The Rock," is the highlight of our itinerary. Initially a military defense fortress, it was converted in 1934 into one of the world's most secure prisons. After the last batch of inmates left on March 21, 1963, the island transformed into a tourist attraction. The audio guide supports Chinese, allowing visitors to hear the dark stories and escape legends of the prison. 🚋 Bay Area Antique Cable Cars Ride the classic Hyde–Powell antique cable car, passing through Russian Hill with breathtaking views. More than just transportation, these cars are a living piece of San Francisco's cultural history, offering stunning cityscapes along the way. 🏰 Fort Point A 4.5-mile (approximately 2-hour) walk leads to Fort Point, a Civil War-era military fortress guarding the entrance to San Francisco Bay. Despite the passage of time, it remains steadfast. Standing here and looking up at the Golden Gate Bridge, the majestic view and historical ambiance feel like stepping into a time machine. 🌉 Golden Gate Bridge Viewpoint Get up close to this engineering marvel, often referred to as the "red matchstick curve." Spanning the Golden Gate Strait, it connects the city to the ocean, turning iconic postcard images into reality. 🌺 Lombard Street Known as the "world's crookedest street," this steep road with eight hairpin turns was redesigned in 1922 to reduce its original 27% grade. With red brick paving, lush greenery, and Victorian-style mansions, it's a must-visit for stunning photos. Strolling along the path offers views of the bay, Coit Tower, and the charm of North Beach. 🛍 Westfield San Francisco Centre A shopping haven in the city center, featuring luxury brands, diverse dining options, and entertainment facilities. After a day of exploring, recharge at the department store's dining area. It's the perfect way to end the itinerary. 🏨 Accommodation Recommendation: Hotel Windsor Located in the city center, this historic-style hotel combines elegant vintage charm with modern comfort. Its convenient location makes it an excellent choice for experiencing San Francisco life. ✨ Itinerary Summary From the sunlit Alcatraz Island to the historically rich Fort Point, crossing the Golden Gate Bridge to Lombard Street, and finally recharging at the bustling Westfield shopping center, this journey blends history, architecture, culture, and scenic beauty. With Chinese audio guides, antique cable cars, hairpin-turn streets, and spectacular ocean views, every step is a memory worth cherishing.

Who would have thought that visiting a prison would be a tourist attraction? Yet, here we are, travelling across San Francisco Bay. The destination? Alcatraz! Alcatraz was known as one of the most formidable prisons in the world. Many a film have been made about this impenetrable fortress and the many attempts to escape. It’s only once you visualise this imposing fortress that you realise why this prison has captivated many a person over the decades. As we set off on our ferry trip to Alcatraz island, the sun is shining. But once we got closer to our destination, we could see how once a criminal was incarcerated here, the only way out was by boat. Fog set in as we made our way around the prison, which is now designated as part of the National Park service. Wandering around the prison, it feels like stepping back to the mid 1960’s, when the prison closed down. We got to see close hand what life was as like here, in cramped conditions and in some parts, which little natural sunlight on show. It may not be the most obvious tourist attraction, but it is one well worth adding to your itinerary! #alcatraz #sanfrancisco #usa #america #california #travel #holiday #vacation

This time I went to San Francisco for three days and two nights. I went to (first day) Alcatraz Island-Pier 39-Golden Gate Bridge (evening) (Second day) I took the cable car and queued for about an hour at the first stop-Lombard Street-Palace of Fine Arts-Golden Gate Bridge (dusk) On the last day, I went to UC Berkeley for a visit and then went to the airport

#cityplaybook #localguides 📍 Quick Guide Where: San Francisco Bay (ferry from Pier 33) When: Morning or early afternoon (book ahead) Vibe: Haunting, historic, cinematic ✨ Why Go Once home to America’s most notorious prison, Alcatraz is now a fascinating national park. Walk the actual cell blocks, hear real inmate stories, and take in unbeatable views of the San Francisco skyline. 🚢 What to Do Take the ferry from Pier 33 Do the award-winning audio tour (seriously gripping) Walk the recreation yard and solitary cells. Spot seabirds and native gardens. Catch panoramic views of the Golden Gate Bridge. 💡 Local Tip Book your tickets at least a week in advance. For a moody twist, go for the night tour—it’s eerie in the best way. #AlcatrazIsland #EscapeFromAlcatraz#SFBayViews #HistoricSF#PrisonIsland #CityPlaybookSF #BayAdventure#OnlyInSanFrancisco

San Francisco is a city that leaves a lasting impression, even with a short stay. The 1-night, 2-day itinerary was relaxed yet fulfilling. Upon arrival on the first day, the first destination was Alcatraz Island. Taking a ferry across the bay to the infamous prison island felt like stepping into a time capsule, with the atmosphere almost frozen in time. Walking along with the audio guide, you could sense the breath of the prisoners and the air of that era. After the island tour, I hopped on a tram to explore the city, soaking in the unique scenery of this hilly metropolis. Lombard Street, reached via steep, tree-lined roads, was even more charming and picturesque than imagined. Taking photos and strolling leisurely down the hill felt like stepping into a movie scene. In the evening, I enjoyed watching sea lions and the sunset at Pier 39, followed by a meal of fresh crab. The next morning, I savored the relaxed vibe of San Francisco with a cup of coffee at a brunch café near Union Square. 📍Alcatraz Island → Lombard Street → Tram Ride → Pier 39 → Union Square

If you're planning to kick off your West Coast journey with a 1-night, 2-day trip, there's no city as captivating as San Francisco. On the first morning, after arriving at the airport, I headed straight to the city and made my way to Lombard Street. True to its reputation as the "world's most crooked street," the flower- and tree-lined winding road was a picture-perfect spot. Riding the cable car up and down the hills, I fully immersed myself in San Francisco's unique charm. After catching a distant view of the Golden Gate Bridge and enjoying brunch near Union Square, I spent the afternoon touring Alcatraz Island. The isolated prison surrounded by cold waters exuded a historical yet strangely sentimental atmosphere. In the evening, I visited Pier 39 to watch the sea lions and wrapped up the day with a seafood dinner. The next morning, I savored a cup of coffee at the Ferry Building, soaking in the laid-back vibe of San Francisco before departing. Though short, the trip was packed with emotions and stories. San Francisco always leaves you wanting to return. 📍Lombard Street → Cable Car Ride → Alcatraz Island Tour → Pier 39 → Union Square → Ferry Building

#springitinerary Who knew Alcatraz could be this beautiful in spring? The historic prison island was bursting with blooms — heirloom roses, calla lilies, and vibrant succulents revived by spring sunshine. I joined the garden tour and was amazed by the history of the inmate-tended gardens. Birds were nesting, and the views of the Bay Bridge and city skyline were spectacular. #springitinerary gem: book early, especially for morning ferries. It’s a unique blend of eerie history and unexpected floral beauty — perfect for curious travelers who love the offbeat.

#Traveling Abroad The flight from Osaka to San Francisco was on United Airlines, departing at 6:30pm on February 25th and arriving at 11:30am local time on February 25th. It was a 10-hour flight. I sat in the window seat on the left side and was able to see the Golden Gate Bridge and the cityscape of San Francisco. I stayed in San Francisco for about 3 hours. The moment I landed in San Francisco, I felt that the temperature was comfortable. It was still mid-winter in Japan, so the maximum temperature of 16 degrees and the minimum temperature of 9 degrees was just right for warming up before going to South America in mid-summer. The cityscape looked like a scene from a movie no matter where you looked. There were many slopes, and the scenery of colorful Victorian houses lined up was impressive. The first place I visited was Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, San Francisco's tourist attractions. At Fisherman's Wharf, there were many famous clam chowder shops lined up. The clam chowder with sourdough bread was especially popular, and many tourists were lining up. I didn't try it this time, but I'd like to try it next time I visit. They also have it at San Francisco Airport (Terminal 3). At Pier 39, I encountered the famous sea lions. They were so adorable, napping and frolicking on the deck. From Pier 39, you can see Alcatraz Island in the distance, and you can feel the presence of the historic prison. When you think of San Francisco, you think of the Golden Gate Bridge. Due to time constraints, I couldn't walk there this time, but I was able to see it from Pier 39, residential areas, and even from the plane. It was a landmark whose beauty could be fully enjoyed even from afar. During my short stay, I also visited the following spots. • Lombard St: The famous winding slope. We arrived after overcoming a slope with an incline of about 40 degrees. • Observing Waymo (unmanned taxi): I was able to see the latest self-driving technology in the city. • Enjoying the cityscape around Powell Station: The scenery of cable cars going back and forth was impressive. To enter the United States, you must obtain an ESTA (Electronic Travel Authorization). You apply online in advance, and it costs $21 (as of 2025). It is important to be well prepared before traveling. I had an ESTA that was still valid, so I didn't need to apply for a new one. My stay in San Francisco was short, about three hours, excluding travel time on the BART. I didn't have time to enjoy the nightlife this time, but the city was packed with things to see even in the limited time I had. Next time I visit, I would like to stay a little longer and experience the charm of this city more deeply.

Finally, I had the opportunity to explore the notorious world-renowned attraction - Alcatraz Federal Prison and Indian Protest Museum, located in San Francisco Bay, USA. It was opened to the public in 1973. At noon, I arrived at Pier 33, bought a ticket and took the ferry to the island. It took more than 10 minutes to arrive. After docking, the park ranger introduced it and there were volunteer guides to explain it, or you could explore it on foot by yourself. When you arrived at the prison, the guide equipment was complete. The staff distributed free machines in several languages ​​to introduce the internal stories and let us understand the rich historical stories. There are also beautiful gardens on the island that have won awards for several years. The return ferry is dense, so you can walk anywhere without pressure during the opening hours, and you can also overlook the city of San Francisco and Angel Island. There are also night tours open to view the night view, which is also a special experience. 🕰️Business hours: Varies depending on the date, please refer to the website.

📍Alcatraz Island If you go to San Francisco, this is a must-visit spot! When I took the ferry from the San Francisco dock to Alcatraz Island, the scenery I had seen in the movies spread out before me, and I was excited all at once. When I arrived on the island, I could tour the inside of the actual prison, and the audio guide (also available in Japanese) was very easy to understand, and I could learn about the lives of the prisoners at that time and the details of the prison escape incident. The narrowness of the cells and the darkness of the cells were more realistic than I had imagined, and it sent shivers down my spine. The view of San Francisco from the island was also beautiful, and it was a great sight to see! Tickets are popular, so it is recommended to book early. It was a spot that not only history lovers but also mystery and movie lovers could enjoy! 📍Location: San Francisco, CA 94133, United States 💰Price per person: 7,000 yen #0 yen trip February 2025

We had purchased the boat tickets to the island in advance on the official website and arrived at the pier on time. (Remind everyone to remember to eat breakfast first! There are no restaurants nearby, or they may not open until 10 o'clock. Otherwise, you can only buy snacks on the boat, but you may have to wait in line for a long time.) Please note that you need to arrive 30 minutes before the boat departs. After landing on the island, the staff will introduce the day's guided tour itinerary. If you do not want to join the walking tour, you can go directly to the main gate of the prison to pick up an audio guide and start your tour. Remember to note the timetable for the boat back to the city so that you can go shopping on time. When the time comes, just queue up on time to get on the boat and you can go back. but! ! ! If your English listening skills are good, I highly recommend the “Escapes” Walking Tour! We followed the tour guide to visit all the places where prisoners had tried to escape. His explanations were so vivid that it seemed as if we were witnessing the scenes at that time with our own eyes! The most unforgettable thing is that he mentioned that one of the criminals who successfully escaped from prison looked exactly like the father of his son’s college girlfriend. We were really stunned when we heard it XD! There are many thrilling stories that are worth listening to! The audio guide in the prison is also very interesting. The sound effects make people feel like they are traveling through time and space and experiencing the prison life of that year firsthand. We spent more time there than we expected - the website suggested to allow 2-3 hours but we spent a full 5 hours! Maybe it’s because we’re particularly interested in details (laughs). There was actually a guided tour with the cell door open, but because it was too late, we had to give up. Finally, I found a comic book about the prison escape story in the souvenir shop. I couldn’t help but buy two to take home so that I could relive the wonderful story told by the tour guide! In summary, Alcatraz is highly recommended! ! #San Francisco #trip

#getgoing2025 Alcatraz Island: A Historic Landmark and Prison Escape Located in San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz Island is home to one of the most infamous former federal prisons in the United States. Known as “The Rock,” it housed some of the country’s most notorious criminals, including Al Capone and Robert Stroud, the “Birdman of Alcatraz.” Today, it is a popular historical site and part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area. Visitors can take a ferry from San Francisco to explore the island’s prison cells, guard towers, and other historic buildings. The self-guided audio tour provides fascinating insights into the prison’s history, its escape attempts, and the lives of its inmates. The island also offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline, Golden Gate Bridge, and the surrounding bay. Tips: • Book tickets in advance, as ferry rides to the island can sell out, especially during peak seasons. • Wear comfortable shoes for walking, as the island has hilly terrain. • Bring a jacket, as it can be chilly and windy on the island. Alcatraz Island is a must-visit for history buffs and those looking to explore a unique part of San Francisco’s past.

#JapanAirlineEvent Alcatraz Prison Tour was a unique and impressive experience. When I arrived at the island by boat, I could vividly feel the atmosphere of the closed prison. It was interesting to hear historical stories such as the prisoners' lives and escape attempts through the audio guide. While seeing the narrow cells and strict facilities, the heavy atmosphere of the time was conveyed and I felt a strange sense of tension. Not only the prison, but also the natural scenery around the island was beautiful, and the view with San Francisco in the background was particularly impressive.

#JapanAirlineEvent The experience of taking a boat to the prison on Alcatraz Island was really interesting. The view of San Francisco while taking the boat to the island was beautiful, and the historical atmosphere was felt when arriving at the island. In particular, the stories of actual prisoners and guards heard through the audio guide inside the prison were very vivid. It was impressive to see the traces of the famous escape attempt and the reality of prison life firsthand. The natural scenery around the island was also beautiful, and it was even more special because I could feel a completely different atmosphere from the city.

#JapanAirlineEvent The intense atmosphere I felt when I first set foot on Alcatraz Island was unforgettable. The island itself looked like an isolated prison, and the cold sea breeze and gloomy buildings contained the history of that time. In particular, the heavy air I felt when I first encountered the prison building and the numerous stories I heard inside made me feel tense.