Palais de l'Isle, Medieval fortress on Thiou River in Annecy, France
The triangular stone structure stands on a small island in the Thiou River, featuring defensive towers and thick walls from the 12th century.
Initially built as a stronghold for the Counts of Geneva, the building served as a courthouse, mint workshop, and prison from the 14th to 19th centuries.
The palace now functions as an Architecture and Heritage Interpretation Center, displaying exhibitions about regional architectural development through permanent collections.
Visitors can explore the medieval cells, chapel, and courtrooms from Wednesday to Monday, with admission fees of 3.80 euros for adults and free entry on first Sundays.
The structure includes original stone proclamation benches where officials announced verdicts and legal declarations to the public during the medieval period.
Location: Annecy
Location: old city of Annecy
Address: 3 3, passage de l'Île 74000 Annecy
Opening Hours: Monday 14:00-17:00; Wednesday-Sunday 14:00-17:00
Phone: +33485467680
Website: https://musees.annecy.fr/les-3-lieux/palais-de-lile
GPS coordinates: 45.89858,6.12683
Latest update: June 23, 2025 09:40
Annecy attracts equally with its lake and its preserved Alpine village ambiance. Between nature, gastronomy, and heritage, the town stretches between the mountains and the clear water of the lake, lined with canals and colorful facades. Strolling along the Thiou, climbing up to the castle, or taking boat trips to Talloires and Veyrier are popular activities. The surroundings are filled with easily accessible peaks, scenic trails, and starred restaurants. Each season offers a reason to return, whether for markets, beaches, or the first snow on the Aravis.
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.
Pont des Amours
399 m
Château d'Annecy
133 m
Jardins de l'Europe d'Annecy
309 m
St. Peter's Cathedral
136 m
Église Notre-Dame-de-Liesse d'Annecy
196 m
Saint-François-de-Sales church
92 m
Église Saint-Maurice
98 m
Annecy Town Hall
200 m
Office de Tourisme d'Annecy
368 m
Museum-Castle of Annecy
119 m
Statue of Claude Louis Berthollet in Annecy
425 m
Musée-Château d'Annecy
209 m
Quai des Clarisses
291 m
Hôtel de Sales d'Annecy
277 m
Ancien Hôtel de Ville d'Annecy
174 m
Magasin, 1 rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Annecy
50 m
Magasin, 35 rue Sainte-Claire, Annecy
256 m
Fontaine de la rue de l'Île
59 m
Pipe organ by Nicolas-Antoine Lété
118 m
Maison Lambert
132 m
Magasin, 13 rue Royale, Annecy
336 m
Quai Madame de Warens
225 m
Magasin, 19 rue du Pâquier
252 m
Perrière bridge
75 m
Maison Gallo
266 m
Escalier du Château
129 m
Hôtel Favre
197 m
Fontaine Quiberet
237 mReviews
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