Fort Saint-Jean

Fort Saint-Jean

Fort Saint-Jean is a fortress in Marseille, France, built by Louis XIV in 1660 at the entrance to the Old Port. At the same time, Fort Saint-Nicolas was constructed on the opposite side of the Old Port. When speaking of his projects, Louis XIV remarked: “We noticed that the people of Marseille are very fond of handsome fortresses. We wanted to have our own fortress at the entrance to this great port.” In reality, the two fortresses were built to counter a potential revolt by the local governor, not to defend the city; their cannons pointed inward toward the city, not out to sea.

Two earlier structures were incorporated into the fortress: the 12th-century hospitalier commandery’s retirement home and the 15th-century tower of King René I of Provence. During the French Revolution, Fort Saint-Jean was used as a prison to hold Louis Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, and his two sons, Louis Charles and Antoine Philippe. A tower known as Tour Royale was added to the port-facing section of the fortress in the 15th century, and a watchtower was built on the seaward side in the 18th century. The Tour Royale now hosts regular tours and exhibitions. Today, the fortress houses the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations, which is open to visitors.

Fort Saint-Jean

Must-visit reason: One of the most magnificent ancient fortresses at Marseille’s Old Port

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: France[France]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region [Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur Region]

City where the attraction is located: Marseille [Marseille]