Marseille

History

How the city came to be

Marseille's origins are usually traced to Massalia, founded by Greek settlers around 600 BC, and the north side of the Vieux-Port became the early city core. The port city continued in Roman times and kept its Mediterranean shipping and trade links into the Middle Ages, so the Vieux-Port and the Panier district are the starting point for understanding the city's terrain. Modern port expansion drove the city outwards, and 19th-century public buildings and Notre-Dame de la Garde on its hill changed the skyline; the basilica's foundation stone was laid in 1853 and it was consecrated in 1864. In the 20th century Marseille remained a city where migration and maritime trade met, and both its port functions and cultural life changed. In 2013 MuCEM opened at the entrance to the Vieux-Port, and the restored Fort Saint-Jean also became a public space. Walking today along the Vieux-Port, up the hill and to the museum, you can place the ancient Greek harbour, the 19th-century expansion and contemporary displays of Mediterranean culture on a single timeline, without treating the entire surrounding coastline as part of Marseille's old town.

1. c. 600 BCGreek settlers founded Massalia, and the north side of the Vieux-Port became the city core.
2. Roman periodThe city continued its role as a Mediterranean port under the name Massilia.
3. Middle AgesThe Vieux-Port and the districts on its north side remained the city's main space for activity.
4. 1853The foundation stone of Notre-Dame de la Garde was laid.
5. 1864Notre-Dame de la Garde was consecrated.
6. 2013MuCEM opened, and the restored Fort Saint-Jean opened as a public space.