Chateau d’If, Coastal fortress on If Island, France
The square fortress features three towers, thick stone walls, a central courtyard, and multiple levels of cells carved into limestone rocks.
King Francis I ordered the construction of this military stronghold in 1524 to protect Marseille's harbor from potential naval attacks.
The fortress gained worldwide recognition through Alexandre Dumas's novel The Count of Monte Cristo, which features the prison as a central location.
Visitors reach the fortress via a twenty-minute ferry ride from Marseille's Old Port, with boats departing multiple times throughout the day.
The cells display a social hierarchy where wealthy prisoners received upper-floor rooms with windows while poor inmates occupied dark ground-floor chambers.
Location: Marseille 7e Arrondissement
Location: Marseille
Address: Embarcadère Frioul If, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 Marseille, France 13001 Marseille
Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
Phone: +33603062526
Website: https://chateau-if.fr
GPS coordinates: 43.27986,5.32514
Latest update: August 27, 2025 17:26
This collection brings together penal institutions that have marked the history of incarceration worldwide through their architecture, detention conditions, or roles in major historical events. From the Guantanamo Bay naval base in Cuba, established in 2002 for holding individuals suspected of terrorism, to high-security facilities like Red Onion in Wise County, Virginia, these sites document the evolution of penal systems across continents. Among the institutions transformed into memorial sites, Diyarbakır Prison in Turkey stands out for its conversion into a cultural center and museum since 2019. Its 24 dormitories spread over two floors, its cells, and corridors allow visitors to explore this chapter of Turkish penal history. In Argentina, Mendoza Prison, built in the early 20th century, reflects the prison practices of that era and the development of the regional judicial system. Other facilities remain operational and raise questions about prisoners' rights and incarceration conditions. Gldani Prison in Tbilisi caused national protests in 2012 after images exposing systemic abuses were released, leading to major reforms in the Georgian penal system. Ciudad Barrios Prison in El Salvador continues to function as a correctional center in the eastern region of the country. These sites, spread across multiple continents, provide documented insights into penal practices in various political and social contexts. From Rwanda to North Korea, passing through Colombia and the United States, they help understand the evolution of judicial and correctional systems while raising current issues related to detention and rehabilitation.
Château d'If
0 m
Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations
3.5 km
Abbey of St. Victor
3.5 km
Palais du Pharo
3.1 km
Fort Saint-Jean
3.5 km
Fort Saint-Nicolas
3.3 km
Marseille marigraph
2.3 km
Villa Valmer
2.4 km
Hôpital Caroline
617 m
Monument aux morts de l'Armée d'Orient et des terres lointaines
2.2 km
Phare de Sainte Marie
3.4 km
Interior of Saint-Victor
3.5 km
Monument aux héros et victimes de la mer
3.2 km
Fort Saint-Jean
3.4 km
Canoubier turret
1.2 km
La Désirade
2.9 km
Frioul archipelago
1.8 km
Église Saint-Eugène
2.3 km
Tour du Fanal
3.4 km
Jardin Émile Duclaux
3.1 km
Anse de Maldormé
2.1 km
Plage des Catalans
2.7 km
Tour du roi René
3.5 km
Scenic viewpoint
3.4 km
Jardin Missak Manouchian
3.3 km
Chapelle Notre-Dame-des-Passions de l'île d'If
22 m
Chapelle Saint-Étienne de l'île de Ratonneau
1.7 km
Point de vue corniche
2.3 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes