Musée des Docks Romains, Marseille

Musée des Docks Romains, Marseille

The Museum of Roman Docks showcases the rare remains of a Roman commercial warehouse, making it a unique discovery in the world. Unearthed in 1947 amidst the reconstruction of the old quarters destroyed during the German occupation, these historical relics were thankfully preserved on-site through the efforts of Fernand Benoit, a renowned historian, and archaeologist.

Established in 1963 and later renovated in 1987, the Museum houses an impressive collection of 30 dolia, large ceramic containers from Roman times. These dolia were primarily used in agriculture for storing wine or oil and were often found in wine-growing farms alongside the presses.

Standing up to 1.70 meters in height with a diameter of 1.60 meters and a volume of 1,800 to 2,000 liters, these dolia were buried in the ground for stability and sealed with a resin-coated cover, providing ideal conditions for wine preservation due to their immunity to temperature fluctuations. Within the Park of the dolia, visitors can explore the walls and wells of medieval houses, adding an extra layer of historical significance to the site.

Additionally, the Museum features a display of artifacts retrieved from underwater excavations on 20 shipwrecks found in the harbor of Marseilles. These maritime trade-related objects, showcased through strategically placed windows along the walls, offer a fascinating glimpse into the history of trade in the region.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Marseille. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Musée des Docks Romains on Map

Sight Name: Musée des Docks Romains
Sight Location: Marseille, France (See walking tours in Marseille)
Sight Type: Museum/Gallery

Walking Tours in Marseille, France

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