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Leopoldov Institution represents one of the most significant and historically representative pillars of the Slovak prison system. On the occasion of the 170th anniversary of its founding, a ceremonial event was held, attended by JUDr. Branislav Pongrác from the Ministry of Justice of the Slovak Republic, the Director General of the Prison and Judicial Guard Corps, Col. Ing. Jozef Lančarič, current directors of other institutions, former directors of the Leopoldov institution, as well as representatives of partner prison services from abroad, armed forces of the Slovak Republic, and representatives of the cities of Leopoldov and Hlohovec.
The prison facility itself has deep historical roots. It is located in an original anti-Ottoman fortress, which was primarily built between 1665 and 1669 on the instructions of Emperor Leopold I. During the estates uprisings at the turn of the 17th and 18th centuries, the fortress underwent difficult trials and withstood several months-long sieges by the armies of the Hungarian nobility. A fundamental turning point in the history of the site occurred on October 28, 1855, when Emperor Franz Joseph I signed a decree to change the military fortress into a prison. The first decades of operation were accompanied by difficult beginnings, marked by high mortality rates among prisoners, revolts, and escape attempts. Since then, however, it has undergone an extensive transformation. It has been a witness to turbulent historical eras, fundamental architectural changes, and several shifts in political regimes.
Although the Leopoldov institution respectfully commemorates its rich history, it is profiling itself today as a modern institution of the 21st century. The main priorities of the institution remain high professionalism, security, and an emphasis on the successful resocialization of incarcerated persons.
Currently, a stable and professionally trained staff is one of the key pillars of the institution. Great emphasis is placed on meaningful activities for prisoners outside of their cells and an effectively functioning system of specialized units, which help in the successful return of the convicted to civilian life.
A significant part of the ceremonial program of the celebrations, besides a short film mapping the changes of the prison system within the conditions of the institution and artistic recitations from the prison's history, was the handover of a previously unknown chronicle written between 1947 – 1950, which maps the period of the prison from 1855 – 1896, into the hands of the institution director, Col. Mgr. Norbert Kuruc.
The celebrations of the 170th anniversary of the transformation of the fortress into a prison are an opportunity to express appreciation to those who participate daily in the operation of this specific and demanding environment. On the occasion of this jubilee, awards were ceremonially presented to the members and employees of the institution as a token of gratitude for their dedicated work, exemplary service, and personal contribution to the overall development of the Leopoldov institution.
