Once the most expensive and notorious prison in the world, Eastern State Penitentiary — the haunted prison in Philadelphia — now stands in ruin on display as an empty, haunted relic that offers tours of its cell blocks and a history that will send chills down any visitor's spine. It was the very first penitentiary designed to inspire true regret in those who were sentenced behind its walls. Visit for a daytime tour and learn about the horrors the inmates experienced, or visit after dark for a truly terrifying haunted prison tour adventure.
Considered the very first true penitentiary in the world, Eastern State opened on Oct. 25, 1829.
It is considered by many as one of the most haunted places in Philadelphia and the U.S., with cellblocks known for strange sounds, sights, and paranormal happenings.
The history of the gigantic prison is filled with suicide, torture, and murder.
For example, the Mad Chair was a form of punishment that led to inmates losing limbs, an iron gag tore their tongues, and prisoners were dunked in water and left outside to freeze in the harsh Philadelphia winters.
Legendary gangster Al Capone was one of the notorious inmates held at Eastern State Penitentiary.
Also known as Scarface, Capone was one of the most well-known American crime bosses, leading the Chicago mafia during Prohibition for seven years.
Eastern State Penitentiary's new system of incarceration was called the "Pennsylvania System," which involved keeping inmates separate and having the wardens visit each day.
Eastern State Penitentiary is open for several different tours seven days a week, year-round except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day.
Explore the cellblocks and learn about the history of this facility and its relevance today.
Along with the historic daytime tours, Eastern State opens its doors for "Halloween Nights," a haunted prison tour.
This Halloween festival includes creepy attractions covering prison history and aiming to scare those who are brave enough to walk through one of the most haunted places in Philadelphia. And the regular night tours offer additional exclusive programming in The Fair Chance Beer Garden.
Admission includes historic exhibits and art displays of Eastern State Penitentiary's cells that held nearly 85,000 people over its harrowing history.
Schedule a haunted prison tour today. Tickets are available online and at the door, subject to availability.
Are you brave enough to visit this haunted prison in Philadelphia after dark? Shake it off with an overnight stay in a charming vacation rental. And for another interesting experience, try one of these unique restaurants in Philadelphia.
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