La Conciergerie

La Conciergerie

This is the La Conciergerie, a former prison in Paris. The building was built by Philipe the Fair (during the Middle Ages) and was originally used as a palace for kings, until it was moved to the Louvre. It officially became a prison in 1391 for common criminals. During the French Revolution, the purpose of the Conciergerie was to serve as a prison for those whom were to be executed by the guillotine. Over 3,000 people have been executed at the Conciergerie, and amongst those prisoners was Marie-Antoinette, the wife of Louis XVI. However, the building was decommissioned as a prison in 1914, and now remains as a historic monument.

Unusual Facts:

1. The Conciergerie is located on the Il de la Cite.
2. During the Middle Ages, prisoners who were wealthy were given the best cells, while those who were in poverty slept in unsanitary rooms. 
3. Although the building is open to the public, majority of the prison is limited to tourist attraction.