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Now in its 20th year, the completely terrifying Terror Behind the Walls is one of the country’s top-ranked haunted attractions. (Photos by Jeff Fusco courtesy Eastern State Penitentiary)

Eastern State Penitentiary can be terrifying enough on its own, as it stands soaring 30 feet high, its castle-like Gothic architecture intimidating even the most fearless of patrons.

But when it comes to the penitentiary’s annual Halloween spooktacular Terror Behind The Walls, truly only the bravest should venture forth.

To begin with, six-foot tall, 300 pound gargoyles atop the looming stone façade tower of Eastern State Penitentiary, their eyes lit up and smoke blowing out of their mouths, greet you. One of the nation’s largest, most ambitious and top-rated haunted attractions then takes you (and the other 100,000 visitors from around the world who attend each year) on a heart-pounding journey through six attractions, each more gripping than the last.

And this year Terror Behind the Walls celebrates its 20th anniversary of scaring the bejeezus out of Philadelphia locals and visitors. You know what that means: 20 times the fright factor.

What to expect, new for 2011:

• For the first time ever, the event designers are launching two brand new attractions in a single year, creating the largest and longest show in the event’s history. “The Gauntlet” is a new, high energy opening attraction for the show, and “Break Out!” is a new finale that consists of an outdoor scare zone.

• There will also be a special encore performance of Terror Behind the Walls on Saturday, November 12. Visitors can mix and mingle with haunted house owners and operators from around the country. Also on hand will be celebrities from various paranormal TV programs; hear about some of the first-hand experiences they’ve had with real ghosts inside the penitentiary complex! Tickets for the first-ever Encore Night must be purchased in advance online.

There will be a celebration on Fairmount Avenue as the box office opens, Tuesday, September 20 at 11 a.m., for the 20th season of Terror Behind the Walls. The first guests in line to purchase tickets will receive special prizes, and there will be music, games and even a few zombies.

Returning in 2011, ESP After Dark VIP Tours allow groups of 20 to explore the darkened cell blocks of Eastern State Penitentiary during an hour-long, guided flashlight tour. If that wasn’t scary enough, visitors then head to the front of the line for Terror Behind the Walls.

Check out a virtual preview of the event — if you dare — here. And purchase tickets online starting September 20; groups of 20 or more can purchase now by calling (215) 236-5111 x16.

Terror Behind the Walls
Where: Eastern State Penitentiary, 22nd Street and Fairmount Avenue
When: September 23-November 12
Cost: Ticket are $20 on weekdays, $25 on Sunday nights and $30 on Friday and Saturday nights
More info: www.easternstate.org