Church of Our Lady of the Accoules, Marseille

The Church of Our Lady of the Accoules, together with its bell tower, is an enduring symbol of Marseille’s medieval heritage and has been listed as a Historic Monument since July 7, 1964. The present ensemble includes the bell tower, the sole surviving element of the original Gothic church demolished in 1794, as well as a Calvary erected in 1820 and a new church built between 1824 and 1826.

Though local tradition once suggested that the church stood atop the ruins of a temple dedicated to Minerva, no archaeological evidence confirms this. What is certain is that a Christian sanctuary existed here from an early period, linked by the 11th century to a nearby monastic community known as Saint Mary at the Waters, which was later attached to the Abbey of Saint Victor. The medieval church was reconstructed several times, including a major rebuilding around the 13th century, as indicated by preserved architectural fragments.

During the federalist uprising of 1793, the church served as a meeting place for a local revolutionary section opposed to the National Convention. After the movement’s defeat, authorities ordered the demolition of all buildings used by the insurgents, including the church itself. Only the bell tower was spared, as it was essential for keeping time for the port and surrounding neighborhoods.

Today, the tower and remnants of the old church, including the back wall with traces of the former three naves, remain visible. A crypt containing the Holy Sepulcher, crowned by a rock Calvary, was added in 1820, and the adjoining Calvary Square was laid out and enclosed soon after.