Robben Island Prison, South Africa

From series “Famous prisons of the world”

8 out of 15 - Port Arthur Prison, Australia

9 out of 15 - Elmina Castle Prison, Ghana

10 out of 15 - Maison des Esclaves Prison, Senegal

11 out of 15 - Robben Island Prison, South Africa

12 out of 15 - Butyrskaya Prison, Russia

13 out of 15 - San Quentin State Prison, USA

14 out of 15 - Attica Correctional Facility, USA

Robben Island is located off the coast of Cape Town. It also became famous for the prison located on its territory. It worked until 1991. This prison is known for the fact that the first president of South Africa, Nelson Mandela, served his sentence in it. He ordered the opening of a thematic museum in the old prison building after he was elected president of the country. The Dutch colonialists were the founders of the very first convict prison on the island. Subsequently, the prison built by them continued to function under the control of the British.

The prison was converted into a leper colony in 1846. Not only the patients with leprosy but also the insane were kept in it. The prison operated in this status on Robben Island until 1931. The prison building was used as a fort during the Second World War. It regained its former status only in the mid-60s of the last century. The state prison was opened here. Political criminals made up the majority of its prisoners during its years of operation.

Many well-known political and public figures served their sentences in prison during the years of its operation. Walter Sisulu and Govan Mbeki, known as anti-apartheid fighters, were among them. A very strict regime was maintained on Robben Island between 1964 and 1982. It was strictly forbidden for all outsiders to enter its territory. The first attempts to close the prison were made more than 30 years ago. Despite this, it continued to be used for its intended purpose until 1996.

The first work on the conversion of the island into a museum began in 1997. Its entire territory has been declared a historical monument of national significance. Robbeneiland joined the list of UNESCO world heritage site in 1999. Guests of Cape Town can reach the island by a special ferry. It runs all year round. The ferry stops its operation only in adverse weather conditions. In addition to the historical prison buildings, the island is also famous for its natural beauty. The water areas around the island are popular places for diving. There are many sunken ships here.

Next - Butyrskaya Prison

Maison des Esclaves Prison, Senegal

Butyrskaya Prison, Russia

Back to the start “Famous prisons of the world”

Robben Island Prison - interactive map

Useful staff nearby

ATM bankomat: 'Nedbank Table View' located in 12 km (

check the route on the map).

Car rental office: 'Adelphi Rent A Car' is located in 12 km (

on the map).

Fuel station: 'BP' in 12 km

Supermarket: 'Robben Eiland Ledewinkel' in 2.71 km

Parking: 'Aandvari Zeezicht' in 11 km

Apotheek: 'Clicks Pharmacy - Glengariff' in 12 km

Police station: 'South African Police Service Camps Bay' in 16 km

Cafe/restaurant: 'Harveys at The Mansions' in 12 km

Railway station: 'Cape Town Harbour' in 13 km

Nearest airports:
» Cape Town International Airport CPT - in 29 km

» Langebaanweg Airport SDB - in 94 km

» Robertson Airport ROD - in 143 km

Experiment on yourself. Extravagant houses and apartments of designers

Architects are freaking out. Famous buildings of Postmodern architecture

Cities nearby

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Best hotels near Robben Island Prison

Seaside Village

Located in 9 km from Robben Island Prison
Route on the map:

Rooms: 3

This bright, sea-facing apartment consists of 3 bedrooms, a living room and flat-screen satellite TV. It includes a DVD player, desk and wardrobe. … More: photo, rates and booking

Windblom Self Catering Accommodation

Located in 10 km from Robben Island Prison
Route on the map:

Rooms: 1

The studio apartment boasts large windows with views of the sea. It contains an open plan living room with a flat-screen satellite TV, a dining area … More: photo, rates and booking

Westridge Luxury Apartments

Located in 11 km from Robben Island Prison
Route on the map:

Rooms: 3

The modern apartments boast white and natural interiors with large windows. Each unit contains a balcony, fully equipped kitchen and a flat-screen … More: photo, rates and booking

The Table Bay Hotel

Located in 12 km from Robben Island Prison
Route on the map:

Rooms: 329

Each air-conditioned room comes equipped with a minibar, flat-screen satellite TV and tea-and-coffee-making facilities. The private bathroom includes … More: photo, rates and booking

Nearest unique sightseeing spots to visit

14 km - Cape Town

From the series 'The Most Magical and Picturesque Cities in the World'

Another city that is able to impress with the abundance of colours on its streets is Cape Town, more precisely, its historical district Bo-Cap. Today, this residential area of Cape Town is considered a real open-air museum, and all due to amazing colorful houses. The …

26 km - BOS 400 Wrecks

From the series 'The Surviving Remains of Shipwrecks You Can Observe Yourself'

Near the South African shores were buried the wrecks of BOS 400 ship. They have placed in Duiker Point not so far from Sandy Bay. In 1994 this French cargo ship transported the Russian tug-boat to the place of work because the ark didn’t have its own motors. If the …

37 km - Fish Hoek Beach

From the series 'Dangerous and Treacherous Beaches That Can Be Lethal'

In the Republic of South Africa you should rather avoid the beach of Fish Hoek, which is one of the most dangerous beaches in the world due to frequent shark attacks. Cape Town's coast has always been the habitat of white sharks. On the Fish Hoek beach, you can …

126 km - Gansbaai Beach

From the series 'Dangerous and Treacherous Beaches That Can Be Lethal'

In South Africa there are as many beaches that are dangerous because of the sharks. One must definitely mention the beach, which is located on the territory of the town of Gansbaai. This coastal stretch is also known as the Great White Shark Capital, which can be …

380 km - Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe Train

From the series 'The Most Dangerous Railroads in the World'

The Outeniqua Choo-Tjoe railroad runs along the coast of the Western Cape in South Africa and is the most dangerous and spectacular in the country. The railroad was built in 1928 and links the towns of George and Knysna. The length of the line is 67 kilometres, …

489 km - Bloukrans Bridge

From the series 'Thrilling Points for Bungee Jumping'

Bloukrans Arch Bridge, which is situated over the river of the same name, is located in the Republic of South Africa. The bridge height is 216 meters. Recently, one of the highest arch bridges in the world was equipped for bungee jumping. The duration of the freefall …

Top destination around Robben Island Prison - Cape Town

Go to Canal Walk Shopping Center to check locally produced goods. There are no shops of popular European brands within its walls - only clothes from local manufacturers are sold here. Given this characteristic of the shopping center, it is distinguished by affordable prices, which may decrease several times in the sales season. A large selection of restaurants and cafes would be a nice bonus for your shopping.
The biggest and most popular shopping mall in Cape Town is Victoria Wharf. A whole day wouldn't be enough to explore all of its trade pavilions. It accommodates clothing stores, several large sports shops, as well as cosmetics and beach accessories stores for ladies. Another indisputable advantage of the shopping center is attractive fish restaurants, products for which are delivered directly from a nearby shipyard.

Besides jewelry stores, the city has several interesting antique shops. In Baraka Gifts and Decor, in addition to antiquities, they sell interesting designer jewelry and artworks by modern masters. Interesting African-style portraits, cute painted plates and wicker home accessories, antique figurines and handmade jewelry - everyone can choose souvenirs to their liking here.
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