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Monument
Off the coast of Marseille lies the château d’If, better known for the legends attached to this picturesque site than for its military importance.
The little island entered history with the arrival in 1515 of the first rhinoceros brought to Europe. The animal was so famous that Dürer made an engraving of it.
The castle was built shortly thereafter, between 1524 and 1531, at the request of François I. Commanding the entrance to the harbour of Marseille, the castle was to protect the city from attack and to ensure supplies by sea.
The square building was framed by three massive round towers. In 1702, Vauban, who was in charge of the fortifications, had guardrooms built on the left of the castle. They were known as the Vauban barracks.
From the 17th century, the castle was mainly used as a state prison. Various opponents of royal power were jailed there, including Protestants and Republicans during the Second Empire.
However, the site is most famous as the site of Alexandre Dumas’s novel, “The Count of Monte Christo”, which was published in 1844.
Lodging
See the listing of the Hotels in Marseille
Practical information
Château d’If
Embarcadère Frioul If Express
1,Quai de la Fraternité
13001 Marseille
Going there
Boat departures from the “quai de la fraternité – old port, near Cannebière road.
from june 28 to september 7 2008. (schedules may be subject to change in case of bad weather or wind)
From Marseille to IF (20 minutes by boat)
*9.00 am; 9.30 am; 10.15 am; 10.45 am; 11.30 pm; 12.00 pm; 12.45 pm; 1.15 pm; 2.15 pm; 2.45pm; 3.30 pm; 4.00 pm; 4.45 pm; 5.20 pm
Cruise from If to Marseille (via Frioul islands 45 min )
9.50am; 10.05 am; 10.50 am ; 11.20 am; 0.05 pm; 0.35 pm; 1.30 pm; 1.50 pm; 2.35pm; 3.20 pm; 3.50pm; 4.35 pm; 5.05 pm; 5.50 pm;
Localisation
If Island
Opening / Closing
Open
1 May to 15 September, every day, 9 am to 6:00 pm
16 September to 31 March, every day except Monday, 9 am to 5:15 pm
1 to 30 April, every day, 9 am to 5:30 pm
Last visit: according to the boats’ schedules
Closed
on January 1 and December 25