The Fort Saint-Nicolas Marseille is located south of the Old Port that overlooks, and faces the Fort Saint-Jean.
It was built after 1660 by order of Louis XIV after a series of political and social unrest movements. Its purpose was twofold: to monitor and protect maritime access to the city in case of invasion but also to quell any attempt at popular insurrection.
The construction period was four years, close to the Abbey of Saint-Victor.
Shaped like a citadel, the fort is affected by the riots during the Revolution and the population begins to destroy places. Soon, the Assembly undertook its restoration.
Cut in half during the construction in 1860 of the Boulevard Charles Livon, the building has retained since that same aspect.
In the nineteenth century and during the Second War, the fort was prison office: Jean Giono, Jean Zay or Habib Bourguiba were detained.
Now called strong Ganteaume, the part bordering the sea is home to the military circle and the officers' mess. The second part, called as hard Entrecasteaux, is partly open to the public. It is possible to climb the ramparts and enjoy an unrivaled view of the harbor and the city.
The assembly is protected as historical monuments since 1969.
Open punctually. Free visit organized solely by the Tourist Office. Information at +33 4 91 13 89 00.
