How Alcatraz Used Towers and Galleries

Understand Alcatraz security design: lines of sight from towers and galleries, and why the island was so hard to beat.

2/2/2025

12 min read

Security began with height and angles.

Broadway East Gun Gallery

Trace the galleries with your eyes — corridors were under multiple vantage points.

East Gallery Ladder

Lines overlapped to limit blind spots; yard catwalks continued the pattern outdoors.

Yard Catwalk

このガイドは、あなたのアルカトラズの一日を、やさしく、深く、忘れがたいものにするために書いた。何度も訪れて確かめた、率直なヒントを詰め込んでいる。