Marseille, one of the oldest cities in France, is rich in history and boasts a diverse cultural heritage.
Vectormap.Net provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date vector maps in Adobe Illustrator, PDF and other formats, designed for editing and printing. Please read the vector map descriptions carefully.
Here’s a detailed description of some of the historic places, buildings, streets, and squares in Marseille:
- Vieux-Port (Old Port):
- Description: Vieux-Port is the historic heart of Marseille and has been a bustling harbor for more than 2,600 years. Lined with colorful buildings, seafood restaurants, and markets, it provides a picturesque setting. Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean guard the entrance to the port.
- Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde:
- Description: Perched on a hill, Notre-Dame de la Garde is a basilica that offers panoramic views of Marseille and the Mediterranean Sea. The Byzantine-style church is a symbol of the city and is adorned with intricate mosaics and religious artifacts.
- Le Panier:
- Description: Le Panier is Marseille’s oldest district, known for its narrow winding streets, vibrant street art, and colorful buildings. It has a bohemian atmosphere with numerous cafes, boutiques, and galleries.
- Cathédrale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral):
- Description: This grand cathedral is a stunning example of 19th-century Roman-Byzantine architecture. It is characterized by its green and white striped stones and is located near the Vieux-Port.
- Fort Saint-Nicolas and Fort Saint-Jean:
- Description: These forts guard the entrance to the Old Port and were built in the 17th century by Louis XIV. Fort Saint-Jean now houses the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (MuCEM), connecting the historic and modern aspects of the city.
- La Canebière:
- Description: La Canebière is Marseille’s main boulevard, stretching from the Old Port to the Réformés district. Lined with shops, theaters, and cafes, it’s a central hub for both locals and visitors.
- Palais Longchamp:
- Description: This monumental palace was built in the 19th century to celebrate the arrival of water from the Durance River. It now houses the Museum of Fine Arts and the Natural History Museum, surrounded by a park and cascading water features.
- Vieille Charité:
- Description: This historic building in Le Panier was originally a workhouse for the poor. Designed by Pierre Puget, it now hosts cultural institutions, including museums and a research center.
- Place Castellane:
- Description: A major square in Marseille, Place Castellane is a bustling intersection surrounded by shops, cafes, and the Théâtre Gymnase.
- Abbey of Saint Victor:
- Description: This ancient abbey dates back to the 5th century and is one of the oldest Christian buildings in France. It houses crypts, a church, and a museum.
Marseille’s historic sites, diverse architecture, and vibrant neighborhoods make it a captivating destination for those interested in exploring the cultural tapestry of this Mediterranean city.