Fort Royal

The origins of Fort Royal date back to the time of Cardinal Richelieu, under whom the complex was built. In the 18th century, the fortress underwent expansion and reinforcement by the military architect Vauban, which is why it is also known as Fort Vauban. The fort served as a state prison, its most famous inmate being the Man in the Iron Mask, who was held captive here from 1687 to 1689. Another prisoner was the Irishman Andrew Mac Donagh, who was imprisoned from 1777 for over twelve years, and whose hidden notes were discovered during restoration work in 1990.