Although the purpose and use of Robben Island changed a number of times over the last century - from leprosy colony to ordinary prison to defense fortification during the world wars - it more recently gained international notoriety as a prison for contemporary political figures. One of the most famous prisoners of Robben Island is of course Nelson Mandela, South Africa's first democratically elected President.
In 1999, Robben Island - where tours are given by former political prisoners - was added to Unesco's World Heritage List. Several times a day, ferries depart from the Robben Island Exhibition and Information Centre, situated next door to the Clock Tower building.
This granite building habors a museum, depicting the history of Robben Island and the political struggle against oppression and for freedom and democracy. Here one can purchase lithographs of original Nelson Mandela paintings.
A trip to Robben Island takes about three hours, and takes visitors to the prison and on an island tour with viewing of for instance the limestone quarry, Garrison Church (1841), lighthouse (1863), the guesthouse (1895) and a Kramat or Muslim shrine.
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