Château d"If, off the coast of Marseille, France, was built beginning in 1524 as a fortress by King Francis I. The tiny islet in the Mediterranean Sea was chosen as the site for the fortress because of its steep cliffs and strategic location near the busy port of Marseille. While the "château" never gained fame defending the ancient port (since it was never attacked), it did become notorious as a prison. Surrounded by treacherous currents—like Alcatraz in San Francisco—starting in the late 16th century it was a dumping ground for political and religious prisoners. As far as official records go, none of the prisoners condemned there ever escaped.
A prison fit for a count
Today in History
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A state-of-the-art lookout on the Rock of Gibraltar
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On the rebirth of the Olympic Games
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The wild heart of Tasmania
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La Rocque Harbour, Island of Jersey
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Don’t look down
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Spring comes to Glacier National Park
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Autumn comes to Old Town
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National Bison Day
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Paper lanterns on the longest night
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Lantern Festival
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The Girl Scouts celebrate 110 years
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Arrr, it be Talk Like a Pirate Day
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‘Stepping’ into Black History Month
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Lizard of mystery
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Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Utah
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Books for children of all ages
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Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
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A grotesque scene
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Mada’in Saleh archeological site in Saudi Arabia
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Cold? What cold?
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A predator at risk
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Get amped for Glastonbury
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Celebrating Take Your Dog to Work Day
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World Elephant Day
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Is that a smile?
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International Nurses Day
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National Merry-Go-Round Day
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Presidents Day
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Preservation Hall in New Orleans, Louisiana
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The Cordillera de la Sal in the Cordillera Domeyko Range of Chile