Chateau d’If

Château d'If is a square fortress on the island of If off Marseille's coast, built with three towers, thick stone walls, and multiple levels containing prison cells. The central courtyard sits surrounded by chambers, some carved directly into the limestone rock, creating a tightly organized network of passages and rooms.

King Francis I ordered this military fortress built in 1524 to defend Marseille's harbor against naval attacks. Over the centuries it served as a prison and became historically significant after Dumas chose it as the setting for his famous novel.

The fortress became famous worldwide through Alexandre Dumas's novel The Count of Monte Cristo, which made this prison a symbol of escape and hope in literature. Readers and visitors still connect the real rooms and passages they see here with the dramatic story that unfolded in the book.

The fortress is reached by ferry from Marseille's Old Port, a journey of about twenty minutes with boats departing throughout the day. Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring inside involves climbing stairs and navigating narrow passages.

The prison cells reflected a strict social order, with wealthier inmates placed in upper-floor rooms that had windows, while poor prisoners were confined to dark ground-level chambers. This spatial division visible today reveals how social differences persisted even behind bars.

Location: Marseille 7e Arrondissement

Location: Marseille

Address: Embarcadère Frioul If, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille, France

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +33603062526

Website: https://chateau-if.fr

GPS coordinates: 43.27986,5.32514

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:53