Robben Island
Archaeology » Heritage sites» Robben Island
Location
Western Cape Province

Country
South Africa

Year of Research
1999

Culture
  • Robben Island was used at different times between the 17th and 20th centuries as a prison, a hospital for socially unacceptable groups and a military base.
  • Its buildings, mostly those of the late 20th century such as the maximum security prison for political prisoners, witness the success of democracy and freedom over oppression and racism.
  • The buildings of Robben Island tolerate powerful testimony to its sombre history.
  • Robben Island and its prison buildings symbolize the success of the human spirit, of independence, and of democracy over oppression.