Marseille – the most interesting sights
Marseille has a rich history, beautiful historical buildings are perfectly preserved here. However, it is a modern city and the largest French port …
This contrast of history and modernity leads to the fact that some admire visiting Marseille, while other tourists claim that it is boring and dull. But in fact, everything just depends on the interests of tourists. Someone wants to go to noisy Shanghai, and someone more like intelligent Marseille.
Undoubtedly, to enjoy the trip, you need to know about the sights of the city, worthy of more than just a cursory glance. In Marseille, there is something to see discerning tourist. What is the cost of the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde!
The majestic Cathedral of Notre Dame de la Garde is located on the highest place and is considered the guardian of the city. Wherever you are, almost everywhere you can see the bell tower of the temple, at the top of which the gilded statue of the Virgin Mary is poured, as is well known, highly revered among Catholics. On the day of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, pilgrims not only from Marseilles, but also from other cities of France, flock to the cathedral.
However, the Cathedral of Marseille (Marseille Cathedral) is not inferior to him in popularity among tourists. By the way, it is not so much an old one (built between 1853 and 1896 on the site of a ruined temple laid back in the 12th century), as unique in its architecture, particularly in decoration, which makes it very photogenic. Its dimensions are also striking – the total length is about 142 m, the height of the portico towers is 60 m, the domes are 70 meters (its diameter is 17.7 m)!
Well and the last (in our list) not less important religious and historical landmark of Marseille is Abbey of Saint Victor. The monastery was founded in the 5th century at the graves of the Massali martyrs, in honor of one of whom received its name. Here is the richest collection of sarcophagi of the late IV – V centuries. It is considered one of the oldest in Gaul, and the most important in Provence museum of Christian art of the 1st millennium.
If religious shrines are not in the circle of your interests, you can visit the Palace of Lonshan (Palais Longchamp). The palace complex was never occupied by noblemen. It was erected in honor of a significant event for Marseille – the opening of the canal, which solved the problem with drinking water. The palace houses museums of natural history and fine arts. Magnificent ornate decor adorns the palace and delights visitors. It is also impossible to go past the fountain, which stands in the center of the complex.
Another attraction is the Château d’If, known to many by A. Dumas’ novel The Count of Monte Cristo. Built in the 16th century to defend against the enemy, the castle rather served as an intimidation. Indeed, despite the impressive view, it was built in such a short time that the quality of the building could not be taken care of properly. He was later turned into a prison.
To visit Marseille and not to walk in the old port of Vieux Port is to not understand this city at all. It is the heart of the city and one of the largest ports in the whole Mediterranean, which has not lost its value over the centuries. From dawn, boats leave for sea to bring fresh catch to the beginning of the day.
The variety of attractions and colors of Marseille will allow every tourist to find something close and memorable.
