The most famous prison in the United States and perhaps the whole world, Alcatraz is not only a correctional institution (by the way, it has been functioning for more than 30 years only as a museum), but also a small picturesque island in 15 minutes sea passage from the San Francisco wharf . Motor ships cruising briskly between the "mainland" and the island, regularly delivering to the prison museum of numerous tourists . There really is something to see: for almost a hundred years Alcatraz was synonymous with hell for those prisoners to Orym was not lucky to serve time here . Close "single people", gloomy cells and narrow barred passages - seeing all this, you can begin to appreciate freedom .
A little history
The history of Alcatraz began in the late 18th century , when the island was discovered by a Spanish navigator and named it Pelicani (this is how "Alcatraz" is translated from Spanish) . Century later, in the time of the Gold Rush, a lighthouse appeared here, and later the construction of a fort for the protection of gold-bearing territories, which was later equipped with 110 farther guns . Gold ran out and the fort ceased to be needed - so in the early 20th century the first prison appeared here, first for prisoners of war, and then for especially dangerous federal criminals . In the whole history of Alcatraz, not a single successful escape - perfect security system and natural isolation by the stormy waters of the San Francisco Bay did not leave any fugitives . The most famous prisoner Alcatraz - the legendary Al Capone who spent seven years in prison .
What to see
urs in Alcatraz prison - one of the most popular tourist attractions in San Francisco. From the pier No.33 to the island are regularly sent "motor boats" with tourists, per day - not less than 15 departures every half hour. There is an opportunity to visit Alcatraz and at night, and also combine a trip with the nearby island of Angel.
The Alcatraz acquaintance begins at its quay: a steep climb leads to the fortress, and around it there are picturesque gardens full of flowering plants . From the military the history of the Alcáctrasu inheritance went to the impressive size of the cannon, as well as a considerable number of exhibits of the museum - binoculars, military uniforms, everyday objects of the inhabitants of the fort and t . d . Visiting the prison premises, you will see camera blocks, which contained prisoners, isolators and punishment cells, a kitchen, a dining room and a hall for Sunday mass, and a large courtyard . In the Alcatraz Museum you can see the original keys with the letter "A", whistles and weapons of the warders, handcuffs and shackles, photographs, days, articles of prisoners' creativity and materials on failed shoots, for example, fake heads, molded with prisoners from soap, wire and hair, which they intended to put on the plank to hide the fact of their absence .
Information for visitors
Ticket price - 30 USD for adults and 18 USD for children; night excursion will cost 37 USD and 21 USD, respectively. The path to Alcatraz takes about 15 minutes, to inspect the prison should be taken 2-2, 5 hours. Return to San Francisco is possible at any time to return the "motocross" to 18:30.
| Alcatraz in the evening |
| Alcatraz |
| Inside Alcatraz |