La Conciergerie, France

The Royal Conciergerie Castle is one of the main attractions of Paris. Its history dates back to the 6th century. King Clovis initiated the construction of a castle on the island of Cité. Paris officially became the royal residence after the construction of the fortress. Each of the subsequent owners of the royal palace brought changes to it. The building combines elements of a wide variety of architectural styles today. The history of the Conciergerie as a royal residence ended in the 14th century. King Charles V was the last owner of the castle. He decided to set up his residence in the Louvre. The ancient castle in Cité was transformed into the Palace of Justice.

The prison facilities were opened in it from that time. Officially, the Conciergerie became a prison in 1391. Fraudsters and political prisoners served their sentences in it. It is noteworthy that the conditions of detention of prisoners largely depended on their well-being. Rich criminals lived in solitary prison cells. They were furnished. These prisoners were allowed to write and read. The poor prisoners were confined in cramped cells with hard bunks. The poorest prisoners in the cell did not even have beds. Small bundles of hay replaced them.

It's hard to guess how many thousands of people spent the last days of their lives in the castle looking at its majestic view today. Excursions are conducted here. Visitors are told about the most terrible crimes committed by former prisoners, as well as about incredible executions. The Chamber of Marie Antoinette is considered one of the main attractions of the castle. The atmosphere of the past years was restored to it as much as possible. Next - Chateau de Culan