Visiting Chteau dIf is a great way to experience the rich history of the area. There are a number of attractions to choose from. These include the Mark Twain House and the Missouri State Capitol, both of which offer free admission.
History
Located off the coast of Marseille, the Chateau d'If is a small island. It is an old fortress that was built during the 16th century. It was designed to serve as a deterrent against foreign invasion.
It was originally built as a naval fortress. It later became a prison for the city of Marseilles. It served as a deterrent and shelter for criminals. In the late 17th century, it was crowded with inmates. The lower levels of the prison had no windows and no fresh air. The wealthier prisoners were given private cells, while the poorer were put in the basement.
The island was also used as a dumping ground for political detainees. It became famous in Alexandre Dumas' novel, The Count of Monte Cristo. His character, Edmund Dantes, was held in the Chateau d'If for several years. He escaped after thirteen years.
The island was also a hideout for pirates. It is still used today as a tourist destination. The top of the Chateau d'If has a spectacular view of the port. It is now listed as a historic building.
Location
Located off the coast of Marseille, the fabled Chateau d'If is a must see. This medieval fortress was built in the 1500's and it has a few tricks up its sleeve. One of the many interesting things to note about this little piece of the Mediterranean is that it was once off-limits to the common folk.
It is still possible to catch a boat trip to this quaint island in the Bay of Marseille. A roundtrip ticket costs 10 euros and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Aside from the obvious, you can also tour the rest of the island.
The small island boasts the fabled Chateau d'If, the aptly named Old Port, the Provence Maritime Museum, and several beaches. It is also the site of the Marseille Provence Airport, which is the fifth busiest airport in France. It is a good place to visit if you are interested in the history of the port or the city.
Free admission
Located in the waters off the French mainland, the Chateau d'If is a three-story square-shaped edifice. It was built in the early 1500s and used as a prison for political prisoners. It also served as a naval fortress for royal galley fleets.
There are two ways to get to the Chateau d'If. You can take a sea shuttle from Marseille. You will also need to buy tickets to see the fortress. The ticket is the minimum requirement, but if you want to go all out, you can take a guided tour.
The largest number of tourists visiting the Chateau d'If annually is estimated to be over 100,000. The fortress was built in the early 1500s to guard the harbour of Marseille and the coast of France from invasion. Since then, it has been classified as a historical monument.
There are two companies offering this type of excursion. The Lebateau company only offers a tour to the Frioul archipelago while the Icard Maritime company offers a more frequent ferry service. You should be aware that the conditions of access to the islands vary according to the weather. You should check the websites of the two companies to find out what's available.
Mark Twain's visit in 1867
During his trip to Europe in 1867, Mark Twain visited a range of sites in France, Italy, and Germany. His trip inspired the popular travelogue, The Innocents Abroad. He also wrote a series of short pieces about California, which helped him gain fame in the United States. The New-York Historical Society is recognizing the 150th anniversary of this remarkable trip in its exhibition, Mark Twain and the Holy Land.
During his trip, Mark Twain visited a number of important cultural heritage attractions in Europe. He stayed at the Chateau d'If, an ancient fortress located 1.6km off the coast of Marseille, in southern France. The building is heavily fortified and was originally designed to protect the harbor from invasion. Later, it became a prison.
He also traveled to the Holy Land, where he saw ruins, beggars, and nomads. He also visited the Christian Cult of Death, a site associated with a religious belief that a person's soul will be destroyed if he or she is not resurrected within a certain period of time.