аÄÃÅ¿ª½±½á¹û

View of the Old Port from Parc Puget By Wikimedia

Top 10 Facts about the Old Port of Marseille

This is one of the most picturesque ports in Marseille. The Old Port is in France’s second-largest city.

Marseille Old Port has been a hive of activities since the middle ages till today. Located at the edge of Canabiere street, it has been a natural harbour for Marseille.

The port became pedestrianized in 2013, it is, therefore, a safe place to take leisurely walks as you admire the old buildings and the boats rocking in the water.

Many people gather by the port during major events held in the city. The port is also the departure point for most boats the head over to Frioul Islands or the creek

For fresh seafood, get them by the port where the fish market is held every morning.

There’s more about this heartbeat of Marseille. Read on the top 10 facts about the Old Port.

1.  The Old Port remained the centre of maritime activity for many centuries

Old Port circa 1820, photo by Christophe.moustier – Wikimedia

This port has been in use since 600 BC when Greek settlers from Phocaea first landed in Lacydon, presently the Old Port.

Once settled, they set up a trading post by the northern shore of Marseille which was in use until the 19^th century.

The opposite end of the port was a hemp field which was used to make ropes for the seafarers.

More structures came up during this time like St. Victor’s Abbey which is on the current site of the Hellenic burial ground.

Quays were later constructed as well as a shipyard by Louis XII and Louis XIII between the 15^th and 17^th centuries.

2. The port could hold more than 1000 ships

By Tiia Monto – Wikimedia

The old port could hold more than 1200 ships at once. More than 18,000 ships passed through the port each year.

However, the harbour became too shallow for steamships later. It was 6 metres deep and the steamships needed to dock in deeper waters.

Much deeper docks were then constructed at La Joliette but unfortunately abandoned after World War II.

German forces bombed most of Old Town and destroyed a major landmark of Marseille, the transborder.

Later in 1948, Ferdinand Pouillon supervised the renovation of the Old Town.

3. It is the oldest and most symbolic part of the city

The Old Port formerly known as Lacydon was the centre of all ancient activities in the Phocaean city.

This port has been in existence for more than 2600 years and shares a lot of history with its home city, Marseille.

The city was born after Greek settlers created Massalia at the marshy cove in Lacydon circa 600 B.C.

This site was convenient to the sailors and the city slowly expanded to the northern bank in the 17^th century.

Old Port is today the most symbolic place in Marseille. Several locals and visitors meet here for strolls, sightseeing or to get on a boat and explore the sea.

4. The port is surrounded by historic landmarks

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

Many monuments and landmarks of Marseille are close together.

One of them is Fort Saint-Jean a church of Saint Ferréol Les Augustins. The other one is the Cathedral of the Major.

Before the church was built, a Knights Templar commandery stood in its place. Its members disappeared after the suppression of the Order by the Pope.

Augustinian monks bought the buildings in 1369 and began building the gothic church. They blessed it in 1542 and completed it in 1588.

The Italian-styled bell tower was added in the 18^th century. This church became a parish in 1803 and was named after saint ferreol.

There were 5 bays and 12 lateral chapels originally but 2 bays were destroyed in 1804.

The lighthouse is also another monument from the late 19^th century. It was used to mark the northernmost point of Marseille’s harbour.

5. The ferryboat was launched in 1880

The aerial ferry on the “transbordeur” By Christophe.moustier – Wikimedia

The Ferry Boat still in service was launched in the late 19^th century and thus began the well-known Mairie-Place aux Huiles journey.

It sets off from Marseille’s Town Hall several times a day across the Old Port.

The ferry was originally steam-driven and was replaced by an eco-friendly one in 2010.

There are now four ferry companies on the route with the terminals scattered at intervals along the northern coast of the city.

6. A newer dock was built to handle the growing marine traffic

There was been a massive growth of the Marseille city that there was a need for a bigger space.

The old port could no longer handle the marine traffic especially the steamships. A location was chosen on the north coast of the city.

Today, it is known as the Grand Port Maritime de Marseille. This harbour extends to the southern entrance of Rove tunnel.

The Old Port today serves as a marina, a fish market and a terminal for local boat trips.

7. The entrance of the port used to be locked

You may not believe this but they used to lock the Old Port at night. Heavy chains were used to lock upon the Port.

Unfortunately, the chain was stolen and taken as a trophy by the Spanish in 1423 when they looted the city.

The chain can be found in the Cathedral of Valencia.

King Louis XVI ordered the extension of Marseille in 1666, the city walls were destroyed to make space for the extension.

Later in the 18th century, Fort Saint-Jean and Fort Saint Nicolas were built to offer more protection to the city.

8. The construction of a new port led to industrial expansion

The new port brought with it good tidings to the City of Marseille.

A new route was created when connecting the Old Port to the new one. It is known as Rue de la Republique.

Before the new port was built, the waters of Durance River were diverted the to city.

This led to the construction of Palais Longchamp in 1869.

The city soon became industrial with development of Oil mills, factories, soap factories, sugar refineries and many more.

A train station was built on a hill to provide transportation of goods to and from the city.

Two years later a tramway was created at Promenade de la Corniche.

This port acted as an international connection with its colonies in North Africa and the far East.

9. The Old Port is currently a cultural hub in Marseille

Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia

The Old Port is no longer serving as the main harbour in Marseille. It has not been abandoned either; it is the social hub for the locals.

There are traditional fish markets, bar and restaurants on either side and fishing boats making the place picturesque.

Locals take easy strolls along the harbour while others take boat rides.

The Old Port has been fully pedestrianized and it hosted the Marseille, European Capital of Culture in 2013.

10. A warship once blocked the Old Port

If you have been to Marseille, you must have heard of the phrase the Sardine that blocked the port.

Well, it is not the actual sardine that blocked the port, but prisoners who were coming back home from captivity.

The prisoners were on board a ship named la Sartine after King Louis XVI‘s minister of the Navy.

The Ship got bombed even with after flying the white flag. Unfortunately, the ship commander was killed in the attack.

Although the ship was badly damaged it made it to Marseille harbour. It got stuck at the entrance of the port.

Because it had a massive hull and masts, it temporarily halted the port’s activity.