Robben Island

Mandela's cell

The cell measured roughly 2.4 × 2.1 metres and contained only a mat, a blanket and a bucket.

Lesser-known fact

Prisoners turned the limestone quarry into the "University of Robben Island", secretly teaching each other law, politics, economics and history. Knowledge became their form of resistance.

Another fascinating fact

The quarry's reflected sunlight permanently damaged Mandela's eyesight, which is why he later avoided looking into bright camera flashes.