Marseilles

Marseilles' patron saint towers above the city in gleaming white on a hilltop that has been used as a... sentry station since Roman times. Visible from afar, the statue of the Holy Virgin on the bell tower of the Notre Dame de la Garde welcomes the seafarers who have been making pilgrimages to her since the 16th century. The trademark of Marseilles, which was enlarged in the 19th century, served as a sentry, military support point, place of pilgrimage and church in one. The Roman-Byzantine building dating back to the time of Napoleon III is actually two churches and features domes, multicoloured walls, mosaics and gold decorations. There was one church in the crypt in the bottom section featuring a multicoloured crucifix, and another in the basilica in the top section, consisting of rich mosaics, gold and coloured marble. It is also worth looking at the bronze doors, the high altar inside and the votive tables, a collection of naive art depicting life in Marseilles. From the top, there is a wonderful view of Marseilles, the harbour and the surrounding area. If you are feeling brave, it takes about half an hour to walk through the Cours Pierre Puget and the Park Jardin de la Colonne, enjoying the panoramic views of Marseilles and the see as you go. more

The Abbaye Saint-Victor was built in an ancient graveyard around the grave of Saint Victor, a 4th century... martyr. In the 12th century, it was given a Romanesque face and was integrated into the harbour defences as a fortified church. It still dominate the defences today. The walls of the abbey glow impressively in the evening sun. The crypt contains valuable archaeological exhibits, such as sarcophaguses from the 4th century, and a black Madonna, which is presented once a year during the grand procession on 2 February. In the interior, there is evidence of the quarry operated on the site by the Greeks and later the Christians. The 5th century altar and a tombstone from the 11th century are especially remarkable. The abbey also plays host to a music festival featuring some fantastic concerts. more

The Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology houses the largest collection of Egyptian art outside the Louvre... in Paris. You can walk in the steps of the Ancient Egyptians through five rooms and admire amazing exhibits from the Ancient Empire through to the Coptic era. An impressive, well preserved Ibis sarcophagus is among the most impressive exhibits. There are also some beautiful steles and numerous objects from everyday and religious life. The other departments deal with the civilisations of Ancient Greece and Rome, the Near East and pre-historic finds from the area around Marseilles, including remains of the Celtic and Ligurian culture and a unique collection of Gallic painting and sculptures from the 3rd century. more