Chiayi Old Prison National Historic Site

The Chiayi Old Prison, the world's only Pennsylvania-style prison building preserved in its original location. The Chiayi Prison was completed and opened in 1922 (Taisho 11), originally named Tainan Prison Chiayi Branch. In 1924, it was renamed Tainan Penitentiary Chiayi Branch. After 1945, it was known as the Third Prison, First Branch. In 1947 (Minguo 36), it was renamed Taiwan Chiayi Prison. In March 1994 (Minguo 83), it relocated to Lucao Township, and the old prison was repurposed as the Chiayi Branch of Chiayi Prison. All internal facilities are well preserved. The complete structures and artifacts serve multiple functions, providing living teaching material for legal education and the evolution of human rights, as well as a showcase for the development of prison administration. The architectural style, spatial design, and construction methods of the Chiayi Branch are all distinctive. Its fan-shaped, radial central control system represents the ideal prototype for inmate confinement and control. The workshops and cells feature high ceilings and various transom window designs to satisfy needs for ventilation, lighting, moisture prevention, and overhead surveillance. The doors, windows, and wall panels are all made of Alishan cypress wood, with specialized construction techniques emphasizing sturdiness, durability, and escape prevention, thus making it highly valuable for preservation.