Aix-periences Closer to Home: Montagne Sainte-Victoire and Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur
Montagne Sainte-Victoire
A friend and I decided to hike the prominent mountain to the northwest of Aix: Montagne Sainte-Victoire.
We began by walking along the ridge (above right), then the trail pretty much goes straight up the side of the peak. It’s a total of 10 kilometers and over 1,700 feet of altitude gain. Despite the hot sun, it was a great hike. We got to scramble up rocks and had amazing views the whole time.
In the 13th century, a chapel was built on top of the mountain. Today it’s called the Priory of Sainte Victoire, but it was abandoned in the 17th century. Now it’s a popular spot for having lunch.
A cross, La Croix de Provence, was built at the top of the mountain in the 19th century.
Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur
I also finally had the chance to go inside Aix’s famous cathedral this weekend: Cathédrale Saint-Sauveur. It’s located in the old town (the city center of twisting medieval streets just north of the Cours Mirabeau).
This is the baptistry, the oldest part of the cathedral, dating to the 5th century. Myth dictates that it was built over an ancient temple to Apollo. The eight columns and eight sides of the basin represent regeneration.
This is the main part of the cathedral. It was built in the 16th century in the gothic style. To the right is the older part of the cathedral including Romanesque elements built in the 11th and 12th centuries. On the other side are some baroque style additions that were incorporated in the 17th century.
Timeline of Aix’s History
122 BC: The Romans built a small colony (Aquae Sextiae) on the site of modern day Aix. There was another village a few kilometers away that is currently a small archeological site.
102 BC: The Battle of Aquae Sextiae is fought during the Cimbrian War. This was important battle between migrating Germanic tribes and Rome. The Romans were victorious, defeating the Teutons and Ambrones in a crushing victory.
4th Century: The city is wrecked multiple times by the Visigoths, Lombards, and Saracens.
5th Century AD: With the spread of Christianity, Aix becomes a diocese and the seat of the Archbishop.
1182: Aix becomes the medieval capital of Provence and home to the Counts of Provence, the d’Angou family.
1402: Louis d’Angou II establishes a University, now the Universities of Aix-Marseille.
1486: The Region of Provence is annexed by the French crown.
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