Situated on the corner of Brisbane and Campbell Streets in Hobart, Tasmania,  the Penitentiary Chapel was built  in the early 1830's according to the design of Irish born Colonial Architect and Civil Engineer John Lee Archer.

Originally designed as a Chapel for the growing male convict population in  Hobart Town, there was also the inclusion of 36 solitary confinement punishment cells, unlit and poorly ventilated, constructed beneath the Chapel floor. The Chapel served the adjoining Prisoners Barracks or Penitentiary, which later became the Hobart Gaol.

In late 1859 the Nave and Eastern Transept of the Chapel were converted into two Supreme Criminal Courts. The western transept remained to become a Gaol Chapel with an Execution Yard and Gallows attached. Today the Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site remains a fascinating insight into Colonial Tasmania. A beautiful 1834 tower with the two Courtrooms remaining virtually unchanged for over 150 years, and the Gaol Chapel restored to display John Lee Archer's original design. Come along and organise a visit today and participate in one of our guided tours.

* Check Day Tours for guided tour times and details *

As seen world wide on Ghost Hunters International

Watch Team Paranormal Australia's Investigation of our Site on

See Events page for scenes of  The First Fagin filmed in our Historic Site

Hobart History Trail	Join us  on Facebook
Check out this brilliant review on Think-Tasmania by Mike Fry of Strahan ------------------------------------------ Check our reviews on Tripadvisor   National Trust of Australia (Tasmania) © 2013 Penitentiary Chapel Historic Site For further information Email us	The Voice of Generations LOST VOICES The latest brilliant novel by Christopher Koch (twice winner of the Miles Franklin Award) is partly enacted  in our Historic Supreme Courtroom