Tobolsk castle welcomes inquisitive inmates

Published 20 February, 2007, 14:01

A new concept in tourism is spreading across the globe, and Russia doesn't want to miss out. Prisons and dark castles are opening their doors for those who prefer shabby cells to comfortable hotel suites.

A prison castle in the Siberian city Tobolsk is a perfect chance for thrill-seekers to get away from the ordinary.  Everything is done to let people experience the hardships of prison life.

For the most emotional tourists, several minutes are quite enough to make them look like they are ready to run away. But the toughest ones are offered a unique chance to try on 19th century shackles. 16 kilos of metal used to bind the most dangerous criminals.

Ironically, the first prisoner in Tobolsk was not a person but a bell. It was sent there for summoning people to take part in an uprising in the 16th century.

“The bell was punished and sent to Tobolsk. According to the traditions of the Middle Ages, its ear and its tongue were removed,” explains Evgeny Pashinev, castle caretaker.

In 2006, the Tobolsk castle was visited by more than 140,000 from all over the world. Whether its boredom or a desire to understand what famous prisoners had to endure that drives people to such exotic locations, it's clear Siberia has a lot to offer to those looking for extreme holidays. 

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