Regina Coeli (prison)

Regina Coeli, meaning 'Queen of Heaven' in Latin, is a historic prison located in Rome, Italy, originally built as a Catholic convent in 1654. It transitioned to a prison in 1881 after being confiscated by the Kingdom of Italy. The prison has a rich history, serving various roles including a police academy and a detention center for political prisoners during Fascist Italy. Notably, it housed over 1,000 Roman Jews during the Nazi occupation in 1943. The prison has seen visits from several popes, who performed acts of humility by washing the feet of inmates. Today, Regina Coeli can accommodate up to 900 detainees and remains a significant site reflecting Italy's complex social and political history.