Old Port of Marseille (Vieux-Port)
The Old Port of Marseille is considered one of the most visited attractions in the city. Most tourists come here to choose the freshest and tastiest seafood at the fish market. It is also considered to be a center of yachting, with various pleasure and sightseeing boats and yachts often calling at its harbor. If you buy a ticket for one of these boats, you can make an interesting excursion and see the panorama of Marseille from the sea. It is also important that the quay, which is located near the port, is known for its fish restaurants, where you can taste the colorful dishes of traditional city cuisine.
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Even tourists who are indifferent to seafood will probably not be able to resist trying the real Marseille specialties: they are so delicious in the Old Port! As for boat trips, the most popular among tourists is still an excursion to the mysterious Castle of If. By the way, from here it is a short walk to other famous attractions of Marseille: the Abbey of St. Victor, the Town Hall and the Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde.
Video: Old Port of Marseille
History
It is believed that the Old Port may have been founded as early as 600 BC by the Greeks. Moreover, it may be where the history of Marseille begins. But, of course, the large-scale construction of the port began much later. Namely, in the 10th century, the construction of small shipyards and warehouses began on the coast, near which workers and rope makers settled. Three centuries later, the Knights Hospitallers of the Order of St. John began to settle around the bay. It was these knights who later laid out the fortress, which was later rebuilt and became Fort St. Jean. Toward the end of the century, a shipyard and a military dock were also built on the coast.
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In the following centuries, the construction of the Old Port continued actively – at this time many new churches and mansions appeared. The most famous buildings near the Old Port are the Hôtel de Cabre, the Abbaye Saint-Victor de Marseille, the famous Maison Diamantée, the Hôtel de ville, and the Église Saint-Laurent. During the reign of Louis XIV, the Fort Saint Jean (fort St. Jean) and Fort Saint-Nicolas (Fort Saint-Nicolas) were also built. For many centuries, the Old Port of Marseille was an important commercial center of the city. Today, it remains one of the most important and iconic places in the city.
.Attractions of the old port
Saint-Jean Forteress
Entrance to Saint John’s Fortress is free. There is a security guard at the entrance, but it only checks those entering. The entrance is located on the Avenue Vaudouer side of the street, across the bridge.
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The observation decks of this fortress offer a wonderful view of the old port of Marseille. There is plenty of space for strolling, benches, observation decks. As the place is at altitude, there is always fresh sea air.
Near the fortress
A modern exhibition complex – MuCem (a sick building in the form of a black cube) is built next to St. John’s Fortress. St. John’s Fortress is connected to MuCem by an open elevated passage. From here there is a wonderful view of the sea and the city.
Around the 13th century, members of the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem (later called the Knights of Malta) settled in this neighborhood. They gave the name to this quarter.
. In the old harbor there is evidence of their former presence. The square tower was built by King René in 1423. The lighthouse was built in 1644. The main part of the fortress was built in 1644 by the architect Chevalier de Clerville, as part of the plan for Marseille approved by Louis XIV. The fortress was first used as a military garrison. During the Revolution, it was used as a prison..
The complex includes the ancient Chapelle Saint-Jean
.The fortress received the status of a historical monument in 1964.
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Church of Saint-Laurent de Marseille
Next to the Fortress of St. John is the Saint-Laurent de Marseille church. The church was built in 1249 and was a parish for fishermen.
The church is a working church. Inside there is an interesting organ with the faces of people on its pipes.Saint Nicolas Forteress
On the territory of the fortress are equipped with observation decks, benches. From here you can enjoy a wonderful view of the city and the sea. You can get to the observation decks from Boulevard Charles Livon.
. The main part of the fortress is occupied by government offices. The history of the fortress is as follows:.Louis XIV’s (Louis XIV) troops breached a breach in the medieval wall of the fortress of Marseille during an assault in March 1660. Stones from the destroyed part of the wall were partially used in the subsequent construction of the Fortress of St. Nicholas. The plan for the new fortress was approved by the king. The project was realized by the architect Chevalier de Clerville. In 1663 the high fort (Entrecasteaux) was built, and in 1664 the low fort (Ganteaume) was built. Vauban, during his visit to Marseille, called the fortress “the worst in the universe.”
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During the Revolution, in May 1790, the inhabitants of Marseille took the opportunity to destroy the fortress they hated, but were ordered by the National Assembly (Assemblée Nationale) to abandon the fortress.
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Through the fortress runs the crest of a limestone mountain from the port, through Saint Victor abbey and Pharo. The fortress consists of a two-level structure. The lower part was isolated by the construction of a boulevard in 1862 (now Boulevard Charles Livon).
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The high fortress is shaped like a square.
.How to get there
The port is easily accessible by metro: the desired station will be called Vieux-Port Hotel de Ville. If you choose to walk, orient yourself towards La Canebiere Boulevard and don’t miss the Old Port of Marseille.
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