Friulian Archipelago, France. View Ratonneau Island Stock Image

Chateau d'If - fort on the island of If Friulian archipelago in the Mediterranean Sea near Marseille. The building was built in 1524-1531 years for the defense of Marseille from attacks from the sea. Since the end of the XVI century the castle was used for insulation and protection of dangerous criminals. It has since received the name of the fort and the Chateau d'If. Huguenots were kept in the prison, politicians, leaders of the Paris Commune, and the person posing a threat to France. In 1871 there were held leaders of the Paris Commune, and its head of Gaston Cremieux was shot on the island of If. In the years 1844-1845. famous French writer Alexandre Dumas wrote the novel The Count of Monte Cristo, where it was described long-term imprisonment of the hero Edmond Dantes in the Chateau d'If.