Katovna Odry (Odry Execution Chamber)

The building known as the execution chamber in Odry is no longer used to lock up and torture prisoners, but tourists and visitors can learn about the history of the prison system in this town.

The first mention of the execution chamber, or prison, dates back to the mid-sixteenth century. Despite the name giving the impression that executions took place here, no prisoner was killed in Odry. Odry did not have its own executioner and so had an agreement according to which the convicts were transported to Opava. In Odry they were therefore “only” imprisoned and tortured.

In the middle of the nineteenth century the District Court was established in Odry and the execution chamber was converted into a prison with several cells. The writer Jaroslav Hašek was arrested here for vagrancy and during one of his hiking trips he caused a disturbance in a pub.

Today, there is a museum in the Execution Chamber, which introduces visitors to the history of the prison system in Odry, as well as guided tours of the town of Odry.

All year round, individual tours are available by arrangement with a guide.