Former Koepelgevangenis

The Breda Koepelgevangenis was part of a justice complex in the centre of Breda. The former penitentiary is one of the three remaining penitentiaries in the Netherlands. The most distinctive building on the site is the dome-shaped cell block designed by J.F. Metzelaar in 1883. The cell block contains 198 identical cells.

Extensive complex
The prison grounds contain, in addition to the specific monumental locations such as the dome, women's prison, courthouse and chapel, several spaces of different sizes and appearances. The site also includes a more modern prison built in 2004.

The prison complex is now used as a location for small businesses and a part of it houses refugees from Ukraine.

Tour of the Koepelgevangenis

There are no more tours of the Koepelgevangenis.
Since the war in Ukraine, this is also a shelter for refugees. There are ± 400 Ukrainian refugees staying in the main building of the Koepel. From March 2023 up to 230 refugees are also staying in building M. It is not clear when there will be tours in the Koepelgevangenis again.