Topped by a monumental gilded bronze statue of the Virgin and Child-- added in 1870-- Marseille's distinctive basilica dominates the city from its highest point of 154 meters (505 feet). It was formerly used as a look-out post and important city fortification (François I had a fort built here in 1524). The hill on which it stands (Colline de la Garde) became a popular place of worship and pilgrimage with the building of this Romano-Byzantine-style basilica. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica was built on the site of the first chapel erected here in 1214. Today's basilica, designed by Espérandieu, formed part of major building work undertaken during the Second Empire and was consecrated in 1864.
The history of the port goes back as far as 600BCE, with the arrival of sailors from Phocaea, a Greek city in Asia Minor. France's oldest city came into being following the union of one of their leaders, Protis, with Gyptis, princess of the Ligurian people already settled in the region, whose territory in ancient times stretched right along the Mediterranean coast. The area, dappled with boutiques and historic landmarks, has since grown into a flourishing port and tourist site. With yachts and fishing boats bobbing by the side, the port beautifully captures the vibrancy of Marseille at the early morning fish market. Tourists and locals are found frequenting the numerous cafés facing the port which is an ideal spot to people watch as the dusk paints the whitewashed port environs in shades of tangerine. With its beauty recorded in several literary works, the port is a timelessly graceful relic of Marseille.
The Roman-Byzantine Marseille Cathedral was built in the middle of the 19th Century by Léon Vaudoyer, on the remains of the ancient Roman-Provençal 'Major' building which dates back to the 12th Century. With a capacity of 3000, it is the largest cathedral in France since the Middle Ages. The marble slabs, impressive porphyry columns and mosaics reflect the cathedral's true splendor, complemented by magnificent altars from the 12th and 15th Centuries and earthenware from the Della Robbia workshop are worth seeing.
Palais Longchamp, designed by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, was built in conjunction with the construction of the canal in 1839. The arrival of water from the Durance in 1849 allowed the town to supply the new districts to the east. Today, the waterfalls, ornamental lakes, fountains and numerous sculptures give this enchanting place an Italian Renaissance feel. Housing Marseilles' Fine Arts Museum in its left-wing and the Natural History Museum in the right, this watery palace, a masterpiece of the Second Empire, commemorates and unites the glory of water, the arts and the sciences under one magnificent roof.
Situated on the southern bank of the Vieux Port above the dry dock, the Abbey of St. Victor, Marseille played an important role in development of Christianity in the Mediterranean between the 11th and 18th Centuries. In the 14th Century, Pope Urbain V oversaw its fortification. The abbey's crypt and catacombs, which contain a number of ancient sarcophagi, are open to visitors, while its excellent acoustics make it the perfect venue for the religious and classical music concerts held here on a regular basis. Large crowds attend its special ceremonies for la fête de la Chandeleur (Candlemas) in February.
La Vielle Charité is an outstanding example of religious architecture from 17th-century France. Designed by Pierre Puget, the King's architect and also native to the area, it was constructed between 1671-1745 as a refuge for the city's orphans and beggars. Today it is a multidisciplinary center promoting science and culture, including the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Museum of African, Oceanic, and Amerindian Arts. The rectangular form of the buildings comprises four wings which open onto a courtyard, of which the centerpiece is a beautiful domed chapel in Italian baroque style.
Topped by a monumental gilded bronze statue of the Virgin and Child-- added in 1870-- Marseille's distinctive basilica dominates the city from its highest point of 154 meters (505 feet). It was formerly used as a look-out post and important city fortification (François I had a fort built here in 1524). The hill on which it stands (Colline de la Garde) became a popular place of worship and pilgrimage with the building of this Romano-Byzantine-style basilica. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica was built on the site of the first chapel erected here in 1214. Today's basilica, designed by Espérandieu, formed part of major building work undertaken during the Second Empire and was consecrated in 1864.
Calling the ornate Hotel de Caumont its home, Caumont Centre d'Art is a beautiful art center worth exploring if you wish to get acquainted with the life of Pauline who owned this august mansion during the 18th Century. Architecture aficionados are sure to fall in awe of the building's façade while its interior is home to carefully-manicured gardens, elaborate fountains and works of Jean-Baptiste Rambot can also be found here. The rooms inside the mansion are replete with sumptuous upholstery that narrates the story of the opulent lifestyle of the owners. At the end of your tour, you can grab a nice coffee and delicious desserts at the on-site cafe. Then watch the detailed documentary of Cezanne before taking a leave.
Countess Pastré bequeathed this magnificent 19th-century country house to the city along with 120 hectares (49 acres) of wooded parkland, located between La Pointe-Rouge and the Rolland caves, extending up to the Marseilleveyre hills. The park has for the most part been transformed into a public garden, including an adventure playground near the entrance to delight and entertain your children who can, amongst other things, enjoy a bicycle or pony ride. Since 1996, Château Pastré has been home to an exceptional earthenware museum, displaying a diverse collection as well as an exhibition depicting the technical and artistic development of this craft.
The history of the port goes back as far as 600BCE, with the arrival of sailors from Phocaea, a Greek city in Asia Minor. France's oldest city came into being following the union of one of their leaders, Protis, with Gyptis, princess of the Ligurian people already settled in the region, whose territory in ancient times stretched right along the Mediterranean coast. The area, dappled with boutiques and historic landmarks, has since grown into a flourishing port and tourist site. With yachts and fishing boats bobbing by the side, the port beautifully captures the vibrancy of Marseille at the early morning fish market. Tourists and locals are found frequenting the numerous cafés facing the port which is an ideal spot to people watch as the dusk paints the whitewashed port environs in shades of tangerine. With its beauty recorded in several literary works, the port is a timelessly graceful relic of Marseille.
The Roman-Byzantine Marseille Cathedral was built in the middle of the 19th Century by Léon Vaudoyer, on the remains of the ancient Roman-Provençal 'Major' building which dates back to the 12th Century. With a capacity of 3000, it is the largest cathedral in France since the Middle Ages. The marble slabs, impressive porphyry columns and mosaics reflect the cathedral's true splendor, complemented by magnificent altars from the 12th and 15th Centuries and earthenware from the Della Robbia workshop are worth seeing.
Place des Quatre-Dauphins is an iconic square in the city. Located a short distance from the famous route, Cours Mirabeau, it was built in the 17th Century. It marks the intersection of Rue du 4 Septembre and Rue Cardinale and is lined by historical mansions and chestnut trees. Take a walk around the place and admire splendid architecture and photograph fountains. At its center is the Fontaine des Quatre-Dauphins, from which the place gets its name. This water feature comprises of four dolphins that are sculpted by the celebrated artist Jean-Claude Rambot.