Discover some of the most fascinating – and at times most moving – chapters of history at the Veszprém Castle Prison Visitor Centre.
Opened in the spring of 2024 as part of the legacy of the Veszprém-Balaton 2023 European Capital of Culture programme, the centre welcomes visitors within the walls of an authentic historical prison that served as Veszprém’s correctional facility until 2003.
The permanent exhibition, “Behind Bars: The Human Story”, takes visitors on a captivating journey through the history of crime, punishment, and justice across the centuries. Through the stories of well-known historical figures such as Bishop József Mindszenty, Árpád Brusznyai – the martyred teacher and leader of Veszprém’s Revolutionary Council during the 1956 Hungarian Revolution – and the legendary outlaw Sobri Jóska, the exhibition brings the past vividly to life.
Visitors can gain insight into everyday life within the prison walls while discovering lesser-known stories of prisoners, guards, and executioners. Interactive installations and story-driven presentations reveal the human side of history and offer fresh perspectives on past events.
Group visitors can also take part in thematic guided walks, lectures, and educational drama programmes, providing an even deeper understanding of the site and its stories.
