Attractions & museums

KGB prison cells

One of the most notorious and feared pre-trial prisons operated in the basement of the building at 1 Pagari Street during the Soviet occupation. The former KGB prison cells are now open to the public.

Built in 1912, the building has had a remarkable role in the recent history of Estonia. Arrested Estonian politicians, civil servants, intellectuals, veterans of the War of Independence, as well as ordinary people were beaten and tortured there. Many were then sentenced to death or imprisonment. The prison cells built in the basement have remained a symbol of communist terror to this day. Visitors can explore the basement comprised of two corridors, six prison cells, and a cell for punishment.

Free with Tallinn Card!

Share

TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor logo tripadvisor rating 4.0 of 5

based on 222 reviews

  • Thought Provoking

    tripadvisor rating 4 of 5
    December 10, 2024 By Philip L

    Considering the history behind this venue I was surprised to find it one of the busiest places I visited in Tallinn. Plenty of effort as been put into ensuring the visitor remains in no doubt about... Read more comments

  • Grim and Thought-Provoking

    tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
    November 24, 2024 By EileenMtShasta

    A place that is grim, spooky and thought-provoking. The simple displays had a lot of interesting information, including many typewritten pages that we could look through, instructions for... Read more comments

  • Worth a visit

    tripadvisor rating 4 of 5
    October 27, 2024 By JessW37

    A very informative visit. It is not a big museum but it's very interesting and an important one to see. It costs €9, I would recommend getting a Tallinn card as this place is included.