Marseille is one of the oldest and most popular destinations in France, welcoming approximately four million visitors each year. Visitors flock to Marseille for its rich history and natural heritage. The city is home to numerous monuments that can whisk you back in time.
Cooking Classes in Provence has selected the monuments you don’t want to miss when visiting Marseille.
Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde
It doesn’t matter where your are in Marseille, you can see Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, perched on a hill. This basilica was build during the nineteenth century, surrounded by impressive statues, covered in gold. As you step inside, you are welcomed by spectacular mosaics. The basilica is surrounded by terraces offering panoramic city, harbour, and coastline views.
This is probably one of the most popular monuments in Marseille, often visited by locals and their families, asking for the Good Mothers protection.
Abbey of Saint-Victor
This abbey can be found on the shore of the Old Port. This beautiful fortress style abbey boasts the finest Romanesque architecture. The abbey was build on a former quarry, offering the opportunity to not only explore the abbey, but the underground quarry as well.
Château d’if
This beautiful château was build to protect Marseille from sea attacks by Francois I. It is surrounded by walls that protected against enemy ships, later becoming a prison. From the sixteenth to nineteenth centuries it was a fortress and is also the setting for the famous novel, The Count of Monte Cristo.
Visiting the château is an exciting experience where you ride the marine shuttle from the Old Port.
Fort Saint-Jean
Today, Fort Saint-Jean is part of the Museums collecting and offers free access throughout the year. You can walk on the old esplanades, enjoying the sun, while enjoying great food and beverages.
Cathedral of La Major
Located between Joliette and Panier, you will find the Cathedral of La Major, which was built in the nineteenth century. It is comparable to St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, boasting neo-Byzantine architecture. The Voutes de la Major, located under the cathedral has been converted to a shopping centre, boasting a choice of stores and restaurants.
The Vielle- Charite
This beautiful monument was erected in the seventeenth century and was housing vagrants. It was designed to include a courtyard and chapel. This major cultural site is home to the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, along with the Museum of African, Oceanic, and Amerindian Arts.
Palais Longchamp
In the nineteenth century, a canal was dug to supply drinking water to the city. Palais Longchamp is a monument, comprising of two buildings connected by a covered alley, decorated with magnificent fountains and sculptures. Today, the two wings house museums; the Natural History Museum and the Fine Arts Museum. The Palais is surrounded by a park that spans eight hectares, with lovely flower beds, sprawling lawns, and tall trees.
Conclusion
Marseille is a city brimming with history and culture. There are no shortage of spectacular monuments to explore when visiting Marseille, enabling you to take yourself back in time. Cooking Classes in Provence is a private cooking class provider offering you the opportunity to enjoy the rich history and culture of Marseille through gourmet experiences. Get in touch with us today to arrange your class when visiting this beautiful city.
