Located west of the French Riviera, Marseilles is one of the major ports of the Mediterranean Sea.
From the 15th century onwards, Marseilles retained a separate administration and continually engaged in spirited revolt against threats to its liberties.
Marseilles has the oldest chamber of commerce in France, and it was established in 1599
The city has many mosques, synagogues, and various Christian churches.
Marseilles' natural port was first extended in Roman times and was later extended again from the 16th century onward to accommodate increased traffic and larger ships.
The climate of Marseilles is not typical of the Mediterranean region as a whole. The lowest rainfall and highest temperatures are found in summer, but rainfall reaches a peak in spring and autumn, rather than in winter.
Marseilles' population has always been mixed, being drawn from all parts of the Mediterranean and from elsewhere in Europe and Africa.
The oldest developed industry in Marseilles was founded in the 15th century: the manufacture of soap from olive oil produced in the surrounding district
PLACES TO VISIT:
The Hôtel de Cabre → This townhouse, one of the oldest in Marseille, was built in 1535 for trader and consul Louis Cabre with a unique blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles.
The Hôtel Dieu → The 12th century Hôpital du Saint-Esprit expanded over the centuries and attached to the Hôpital Saint-Jacques de Galice in the 16th century. It became the Hôtel Dieu one century later.
Accoules church → A little parish church was built here devoted to Notre-Dame des Accoules in the 6th century. The church was rebuilt in the 13th century as was the Tour Sauveterre bell tower which sounded the alarm and summoned the City Council.
Le preau des accoules → At the beginning of the 17th century, the Jesuits founded the Eglise de Sainte-Croix and a large school where Marseille’s future business people were taught Oriental languages: the Collège des quatre langues. Following Louis XIV’s decision and in accordance with his goal to boost trade in Marseille, the school became the Observatoire Royal in 1701.
Tuppen, John N., et al. “Marseille.” Encyclopædia Britannica, Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., 2 Nov. 2017, www.britannica.com/place/Marseille.
“The Old Marseille.” Office De Tourisme Marseille, www.marseille-tourisme.com/en/discover-marseille/the-essentials/the-old-marseille/.
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