Within these walls, stories echo. Justizvollzugsanstalt Nürnberg stands as a testament to justice, confinement, and perhaps, a chance at redemption. It is more than just a prison. It is a complex institution with a long history.
Justizvollzugsanstalt Nürnberg is the second largest correctional facility in Bavaria. Only Justizvollzugsanstalt München is bigger. This facility houses various departments. They sprawl across 8 hectares near the Justizpalast. The Außenstelle Lichtenau is not included in that calculation.
The Justizvollzugsanstalt Nürnberg’s history stretches back to the 19th century. Construction unfolded in phases. The Zellengefängnis Nürnberg, a cell prison, was built between 1865 and 1868. It later became the men’s prison. From 1886 to 1888, the women’s prison emerged. The investigation prison was erected between 1889 and 1901.
During the Nuremberg Trials from 1945 to 1949, history unfolded within these walls. In 1945, the Zellengefängnis was requisitioned. High-ranking Nazi officials were housed here. Hermann Göring was one of them.
In 1952, the Nürnberger Zellengefängnis was handed back to German authorities. Expansions and new constructions followed from 1970. The investigation prison was expanded in 1972. In 1980, a new supply center arose. It included a kitchen, laundry, and heating plant. From 1986 to 1998, a new E-shaped accommodation building was constructed. It comprised Houses A to E. A workshop building was built in 1990. It featured modern workshops. The central building with a multipurpose hall and gymnasium was dedicated in 1998.
Justizvollzugsanstalt Nürnberg is divided into several sections. The investigation prison has 373 spaces. These include single and shared cells. The transport and medical units are also in this building. The men’s prison has 405 spaces. The complex is divided into five prison buildings. These buildings also offer group and leisure rooms. The women’s prison provides 63 spaces. The juvenile detention center is separate. It is housed in a part of the women’s prison. It has 45 spaces. The Außenstelle Lichtenau is referred to as “prison light”. It houses the open prison section. It has 99 spaces. It primarily houses first-time offenders. Substitute prison sentences are served here. It lies roughly 38 km from Nuremberg near Ansbach.
This prison has specific responsibilities. It handles men in closed confinement. This applies to first-time sentences of up to 6 months. This is for the districts of Nuremberg, Fürth, and Erlangen. It handles regular sentences up to two years. These districts include Nuremberg, Fürth, Erlangen, Hersbruck, Neumarkt in der Oberpfalz, and Neustadt an der Aisch. 44 percent of inmates are foreigners. They come from 84 countries.
The women’s prison is responsible for sentences up to 9 months. This covers first-time and regular sentences. These sentences come from the districts of Deggendorf, Passau, Amberg, Ansbach, Nuremberg, Fürth, Regensburg, and Weiden in der Oberpfalz.
Inmates at Justizvollzugsanstalt Nürnberg are obligated to work. Various jobs are available. These are spread across 13 prison-owned businesses. There is a painting shop, a bricklaying shop, and an electrical shop. There is also a book bindery and print shop. Other options include a laundry, car repair shop, and a cobbler. Inmates can also work in occupational therapy, installation, a locksmith, a carpentry shop, a tailor shop, and a gardening center.
Beyond work, education is offered. Short courses like the “European Computer Passport” are available. There is also “Qualification as a wood machine operator”. An “Education as a forklift driver” is also available. These courses improve reintegration chances. Inmates can also earn their secondary school certificate. Other courses are offered as needed. These include German for foreigners, literacy, and a math course. Vocational training is also offered.
Leisure activities also play a role in reintegration. Sports like volleyball, basketball, and table tennis are offered. Weight training is sometimes available. The prison library offers books in different languages. Board games are also available. Concerts and theater performances occur several times a year.
Even Energy Nürnberg, a local radio station, once broadcast its morning show “live” from Justizvollzugsanstalt Nürnberg.
Justizvollzugsanstalt Nürnberg has witnessed film shoots. Speer und Er, a documentary about Albert Speer, was filmed here. Bandits, a film about a female prison band, was shot here too. Leo und Claire, Gier, and Unsere Mütter, unsere Väter were also filmed here.
Tatjana Gsell, a celebrity, was once an inmate here. In 2009, two inmates made a spectacular escape. From 2006 to 2015, a drug detection dog named Basco worked here.
Justizvollzugsanstalt Nürnberg represents confinement. It also represents the possibility of change. It is a place where lives are paused and futures are reconsidered.