Download iPhone Walking Tours Application for Marseille
Guide Location: France » Marseille
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 3 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 6.5 km
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 3 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 6.5 km
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Abderitestatos
Author: kane
As Marseilles is the oldest city in France, it has a lot to offer visitors interested in history. It has many ancient buildings and churches of historical interest. All of these ancient buildings are very popular among tourists and have a rich history. Don't miss the chance to visit some of its most interesting constructions.
Tour Stops and Attractions
1) Palais du Pharo
The Palais du Pharo is a wonderful attraction of Marseille. It was a Napoleon III's waterfront residence. It is now used as an exhibition and conference center.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Michiel1972
2) Fort St. Nicholas
This star-shaped fort was built in 1680. At that time Marseille's independence was finally lost and Louis XIV needed to keep an eye on the rebellious citizens. Today this grand building is home to the Foreign Legion.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Rvalette
3) Abbaye St. Victor
The Abbaye St. Victor is the oldest church in Marseille. It was founded as a monastery in the 5th century on the site of a Christian martyr's tomb. The church is an impressive monument because of its fortress-like appearance. You can view a number of sarcophagi at the extensive crypt and catacombs at Abbaye St-Victor, which are open to the public.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Abderitestatos
4) Opéra Municipal
This theater of music and dance was built in the 18th century. The following century it was converted into an opera house. In 1919 a fire destroyed the greater part of the theater, the walls and a neoclassical peristyle. It was renovated in 1924, and today is regarded as the authoritative opera house of the country.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and julie@organika
5) Hôtel de Cabre
Hôtel de Cabre is considered the oldest house in Marseille. It was built in 1535. It was partially destroyed in 1943 due to fire, but was later extensively renovated.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Robert Valette
6) Maison Diamantée
The ‘Diamond House’ was built in 1570. It is named so because of the diamond-shaped reliefs that decorate its outer façade. The museum represents a testament to life in Marseille during the 18th and 19th centuries, and presents a comprehensive exhibit dedicated to the Plague of 1720.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Robert Valette
7) Fort Saint-Jean
This fortification at the Vieux-Port entrance was built in the 17th century at the same time Fort Saint-Nicolas was constructed on the opposite side of the harbor. The fortress was built on the site of a 12th century command post of the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem. Today you can see some remaining ruins, along with a tower built in the middle of the 15th century by René I of Provence.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Robert Valette
8) La Vieille Charité
La Vieille Charité was built between 1671 and 1745 out of the local pink and white stones to house the poor. The building housed people who received job training. Later it became a hospice. Nowadays it houses scientific and cultural activities.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Marc DUPUY
9) Palais Longchamp
The Palais Longchamp was constructed between 1862 and 1869. It is situated in Longchamp Park. It was built to commemorate the arrival of the Durance canal water in Marseille. Palais Longchamp offers visitors pleasant strolls in its gardens with water jets and waterfalls.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and Georges Seguin
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