CHÂTEAU D’IF (IF CASTLE) (AN)

Where are we? Embarcadère Frioul If, 1 Quai de la Fraternité, 13001 

Historical-Chronological Situation: The Modern Era 

Introduction: We are in the Frioul archipelago, in the same bay of Marseille. This castle designs a large fortress at the gates of the port that can be seen from the city. It was built between 1527 and 1529 under the order of Francis I, with the aim of bringing an African rhino, which was a totally unknown species at the time. 

History: Apart from its presumed function, it was mainly used as a prison: in the castle, we find the dungeons where thieves, murderers and even Protestants of the time were locked up. Although they were prisoners, some of them were better treated because of their social status. 

In 1890, the fortress ceased its function as a prison and opened to the public for the first time until today, receiving more than 90,000 visitors a year. As you might expect, it is also listed as a Historic Monument in the city of Marseille. 

Out of curiosity, the famous film of the "Count of Monte Cristo" was shot here, giving birth to the piece by Alexandre Dumas in which the world-famous story of the prisoner José Custodio Faria is told.   

Official website: http://www.chateau-if.fr/