Studentenkarzer

Lonely Planet review

From 1778 to 1914, university students convicted of misdeeds (such as singing, womanising, drinking or just plain goofing around) were tossed into the Studentenkarzer, around the back side of the Alte Universität building. Sentences were generally a minimum of three days and the detainees were fed only bread and water; delinquents serving longer sentences could interrupt their stay for critical reasons (say, to take exams).

In some circles, a stint in the Karzer was considered de rigueur to prove one's manhood (women were never imprisoned here). Detainees passed their time by carving inscriptions and drawing graffiti, which still covers the walls.

A ticket to the Studentenkarzer also gets you into the Alte Aula.