SPEETH, Peter
(b. 1772, Mannheim, d. 1831, Odessa)

Exterior view

1811-27
Photo
Women's Penitentiary, Würzburg

Peter Speeth designed the prison in Würzburg below the castle on the principle of "speaking" architecture: it is a three-story cubic block with a heavily rusticated plinth. The door, set in a semi-circular arch, tapers towards the ground, producing an oppressive feeling on entering. The ten columns over the doorway are popularly said in Würzburg to represents the Ten Commandments.