The most famous prisoner was Nelson Mandela, who spent 18 of his 27 years there along with thousands of other political prisoners.
Currently, tourists can tour the island. Accessible by ferry departing from Cape Town’s Victoria and Alfred Waterfront.
Many of the tours are guided by former inmates who share their stories and guide visitors through the high-security prison.
In addition to its role as a prison, Robben Island has played many other roles over the past few centuries.
It was used as a leper colony from 1846 to 1931 and then as a military base during World War II.
In the 20th century, the island became a symbol of resistance as political prisoners, including Mandela, were forced to work in quarries under harsh conditions.
Many structures from this period still remain, including the stone quarry used by prisoners to build the prison’s main gate.
Robben Island Museum (RIM) manages the island, which is carefully preserved as a historical and educational site.
RIM “carries out a wide range of conservation, education, tourism development, research, archives and general heritage programmes”.
In addition to tours, visitors can visit landmarks such as the 19th-century lighthouse, the World War II Memorial, and the Leper Church.
