Latvia - Leipaja (Karaosta Prison)

Karosta is a sprawling suburb of Leipaja. During Soviet times it was a naval base and was off limits until 1994. At its centre is Karosta Prison which was used as a military prison until 1997.....
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The guide used to work in this prison.... his desk in the administration office.....

St Nicholas Maritime Cathedral is the focal point of Karosta amidst ex industrial wasteland and piecemeal housing. Built in 1901 it was designed to look as if it was built centuries earlier. The communists stripped it and used it as a cinema and sports complex. In 1990 restoration work began.

30 000 Soviet Naval staff were based here during the Cold War. It was fascinating to cycle around the desolate base looking at apartment blocks (built to house soldiers) in various states of decay and abadonment.....