A Day in Marseille: History and Street Art in France’s Oldest City

La Porte d’Aix is Marseille’s triumphal arch, like the Arc de Triomphe. Construction begun in 1784 to honor the Peace of Paris, which ended the American Revolutionary War. The arch was finished in 1839. It marks the entry point to the city on the old road from Aix-en-Provence.

*Only 1 week in and we’re already embracing the European obsession with black.*

Marseille has existed as a port city for over 2,500 years, the oldest city in France and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. This area of town is known as the old port (Vieux Port).

expanse of water rimmed by boats and buildings with seagulls winging above

Behind me, on the hill in the background, is the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde. It was constructed in the 1800s, but a chapel was first built there in 1214.

Three stands of metal armor in three different medieval styles

There is also a historical exhibit where this medieval armor is displayed.

A sandstone fort at the mouth of the harbor

This is Fort Saint Jean. It was completed in 1365, though some towers were added on in later years. Today, it is part of a museum.

A skeletal human figure with shredded bat wings consumes men

A painting of war in the MuCEM.

The Cathedral of La Major is made of two churches: the old Major and the new Major. The old Major is the oldest church in the city and was originally built in the 4th century. It was rebuilt in the 11th and 12th centuries after being destroyed in attacks. The new Major was built in the 19th century. It is one of the biggest churches in the world; it can hold 3,000 people.

Street Art in Marseille

Marseille has gained considerable notoriety for street art in recent years. Once a scourge, it is now considered art, which results in beautiful masterpieces rather than a messy overlay of tags and swear words.