Château d’If: Fast Track Ticket
Highlight
- Explore the venue that inspired Alexandre Dumas's 1844 novel The Count of Monte Cristo
- Experience the island fortress prison and enjoy breathtaking views of the Vieux Port from the boat and the island
- Discover the history of the Protestants and Republicans imprisoned on the island and view ancient graffiti left by former inmates!
Summary
Description
Explore a timeless piece of literature by exploring the island fortress prison Château d’If, which served as the muse for Alexandre Dumas’ 1844 masterpiece The Count of Monte Cristo. Discover the stories of the prisoners held captive here as you take in breathtaking views of the Vieux Port!
The main purpose of Francis I of France for using the Château d’If was to safeguard the coast of Marseilles against invasion. From 1580 to 1871, the Château d’If was used as a prison for Protestants, Republicans, and those who opposed the official authority.
However, the inmate who garnered the most attention at this place was unquestionably Edmond Dantès, the main character of Dumas' book The Count of Monte Cristo. Unlike his situation, your time at Chateau d’If won’t entail 14 years of wrongful imprisonment. Instead, it will be a captivating and scenic day.
Crossing the water by boat provides an opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking sights of the Vieux Port area. Skip the lengthy queue to enter the fortress and explore the history of the numerous political captives who were once held here. Among them were Mirabeau and the Communards of 1871, who were considered true heroes of the revolution.
