Citadelle De Marseille Jean Charles Verchere2

Saint-Nicolas Fort

A historic treasure in the heart of Marseille

Fort Saint-Nicolas in Marseille’s 7th arrondissement is a military fort overlooking the Old Port. It has been listed as a historic monument since 1969. A vestige of the past and an integral part of Marseille’s heritage, it is gradually being opened up to the public as it continues to be restored through the Citadelle de Marseille project, transforming it into a place for living, creativity and culture open to all. A vestige of the past and an integral part of Marseille’s heritage, it’s an essential site that still tells the story of the city behind its imposing stones.

History of the military fort

Construction

Built on the orders of Louis XIV between 1660 and 1664 by the Chevalier de Clerville, Fort Saint-Nicolas was intended both to surveillance the city, and the people of Marseille who were hostile to it, but also to protect it against attacks from the sea. The king was keen to have a citadel built in the “cleanest” part of the city. For its construction, stones from the old Porte Royale were used, as well as those from Cap Couronne.

Demolition and redevelopment

During the French Revolution, the people of Marseille, concerned about the threat the fort could represent, set about destroying it. The National Assembly ordered a halt to the destruction in order to preserve this defensive work. Restoration work began, with the grayish stone contrasting with the pinkish stone used in the past. In 1860, during the construction of the Imperial Residence (Palais du Pharo), Fort Saint-Nicolas was cut in two to allow automobile traffic on Boulevard Charles Livon, linking the Vieux Port and the Pharo district. Today still cut in two parts, the fort consists of a seaside portion: Ganteaume fort, and a landside portion: Entrecasteaux fort.

Functions

In 1823, following the Duc d’Angoulême’s expedition to Spain, many prisoners were confined at the fort. A few years later, in 1832, it was also used as a place of detention for sailors on the Duchess de Berry’s ship. Saint Nicolas Fort remained a prison until the end of the Second World War. From now on, Ganteaume Fort (on the seaward side of Saint Nicolas Fort ) housed the military circle and officers’ mess. Entrecasteaux Fort – la Citadelle de Marseille – (on the landward side of Saint Nicolas-Fort ), meanwhile, has a section open to the public for visits.

The Citadelle of Marseille

A long-awaited reopening

After more than 350 years, Fort Saint-Nicolas is finally opening its doors to the public. This reopening marks a historic moment for this emblematic site of the city, which has watched over its inhabitants and visitors over the centuries. Since 2021, the city of Marseille has entrusted the management of Fort Saint-Nicolas to the association ” la Citadelle de Marseille “, whose ambition is to restore and transform this defensive military fort into a place for living, sharing and culture; a third-party heritage centre for creativity and innovation, and to reconnect citizens with their history and heritage in a sustainable and inclusive way.

Visiting Fort Saint-Nicolas

Visitors will now be able to explore this historic monument and discover the secrets it holds. Guided tours will be offered to delve into the history of the citadel and understand its strategic importance over the centuries. Exhibitions, educational workshops and special events are planned to celebrate this new chapter in the history of the citadel and Fort Saint-Nicolas.

The fort’s gardens are open to visitors so they can admire the view and enjoy a drink at the Guinguette in a unique setting…
Garden opening times :
May 2024: Saturdays and Sundays from 12pm to 10pm
All the rest of the year: Wednesday to Sunday from 12pm to 10pm

To get there, you can take the M1 metro line and exit at Vieux-Port station, then walk 15 minutes. You can also come by bus, taking the 83 or 82S. You can also take your car and park it in one of the nearby underground parking lots (Pharo or La Criée).

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