The privileged location of the city on the Mediterranean Sea, It makes Marseilles a city and port of great development and unique beauty that was evolving throughout history. Its importance has made it capital of the region known as Provence, In southern France to some 800 kilometers from Paris.
Some data in its history
Various archaeological data attest that Marseilles would have been inhabited since prehistory, more than 25000 years. Construcciones have also been discovered in the same center of the city, Probably homes, of the VI AC. Its location on the sea was the point of arrival and departure of villages that at the time arrived interested in the area and with which, The inhabitants exchanged merchandise and knowledge such as those related to stone construction, Agriculture and livestock.
The city would be founded in the eighth century ac, with the name of The remains which would later derive in Marseille. The Celtic tribes that lived in the north also related to the Greek people to whom some historians attribute the foundation of the city and later also the Romans would arrive in the region with their empire.
The elaboration and marketing of the wine were since those times activities of great importance for the area. The city suffered looting and attacks by Muslims in the ninth century. Later in the fifteenth century, The King of Sicily arrives in Marseille, making a great contribution thanks to which the city would bloom again, The city builds walls and defenses. At the end of the fifteenth century it would join the Provence region.
At the end of the 18th century, part of the population participates in the French Revolution, many leading to Paris and singing on the way a song, The Marseillaise, which would later be taken as a home song of France. The city suffered severe attacks during World War II, large reconstruction works must be carried out. Today the city has the most important port on the Mediterranean.
Marseille is a city to walk it and enjoy it at every step, discovering in every corner, in every street, In its port, In his coastal walks and in his parks, A valuable heritage. The visit to the commercial and sports port is recommended. About him Old port, A great spleated with different attractions is located, In a very cozy atmosphere to enjoy as a family, where we can also appreciate numerous vessels of various magnification that make scale or “They throw moorings” In this great city. Continuing north, passing in front of the cathedral, a sea walk with open and landscaped spaces continues that invite both the tour and so on to rest.
What I particularly felt like the heart of the city, While it is not in the urban area, is the Notre Dame de la Garde Basilica, Al on old port. Which can be seen from any point where we are inside the town center, since it is located in an elevated position to 150 meters above sea level, About an existing strength. It is also known as the GOOD MOTHER CHURCH, belonging to the Catholic religion, It was built in the mid -nineteenth century, In Romanesque - Byzantine style. The crypt is directly excavated in the rock. The church bell tower has 40 meters high and is crowned with a golden image of 11m high of the Virgin with the child. Our Lady of the Guardian is for fishermen and navigator his faithful guardian.
The Basilica stands out for its valuable decorative elements. The varied colors of the materials used, marbles, stone and the stucos inside, They highlight the volumes that compose it, both outside the temple. Abroad the alternation of stone in green and white colors, They give their facades a special beauty, admirable throughout the perimeter.
Inside the upper church, Carrara marble were used, Venice mosaics and also red marble from Brignoles. Both the polychromy of the mosaics, red and white, like the stucco that decorate their walls and compositional elements inside, They give the temple a mystical atmosphere of deep recollection, tranquility and stillness. The crypt instead, While it generates an area of spirituality, It is a totally austere and naked decoration construction. The magnificent domes stand out.
At the end of the 19th century a funicular was built in order to facilitate access to the basilica of all pilgrims.
Cathedral Church, Santa Maria la Mayor
Built at the end of the 19th century in Byzantine Romanesque style, It is located neighbor to the port, north of Vieux Port and west of the urban center. The building is a Latin cross. Its main facade consists of a majestic main porch with towers to each sides. Abroad, Like the basilica of Notre Dame de Garde, The facades alternate the marbles and white and green stone, which gives wealth and brings beauty to the entire set. The interior of the ship, that uses marble and porphyry, has a length of 140 meters in length. The height reaches the 20 meters high. Also in this temple, The colorful mosaics used, They grant within an environment of spirituality.
Marseille room unit – Le Corbusier –
The proposal of a building that works with total autonomy, covering the demands and needs of those who live in it, It is a project in which the Swiss architect - French Le Corbusier, He had been working for a long time in order to give an ordering proposal to modern cities. Thus also solving urban distribution problems, circulation and infrastructure that according to Le Corbusier began to perceive themselves with the evolution of cities.
The project for Room units O “Machines to live”, As they are usually called, would gather in self -sufficient building, Not only housing but everything its inhabitants need to stock up, contemplating it, shops, Nursery and educational spaces, leisure areas and public spaces. Thus contrasting the idea of construction of single -family housing dispersed in cities. With the proposal to raise buildings, It was also intended to release the ground.
It was in these years and continuing with these ideas, that Le Corbusier develops his proportions system, Modulor, Based on the proportions of the human body, system on which the architect would base the Marseille room unit. The project that was commissioned after World War II would consolidate his idea of modern life and modern way of living.
The big concrete building, elevated on columns, With its characteristic parasols-Brise-Soleil-and the color of its facade, Highlights on the Michelet Boulevard.
It starts to build in 1947 and concludes in 1952. features 337 departments, designed in 23 typologies that adapt to the need and number of inhabitants.
When the elevated building was found, A free space is generated that contains the landscaped sectors, Multipurpose stores for the building community, Areas for Sports and Children's Games.
The building counts on the various floors, In addition to the departments, special stays according to ages, as clubs or places for the development of manual and recreational activities for the elderly. The levels 7 Y 8 They are special since they are, shops for supply and local for leisure and rest. All spaces are connected by elevators and interim streets. Stresses in the whole the magnificent terrace where sports and recreational areas are also repeated along with a nursing and pool.
Beyond knowing or not Le Corbusier's ideas and his proposals, It is worth visiting this emblematic building, which has been incorporated by UNESCO in 2016 to the list of heritage value buildings for all humanity.
Some other interesting sites to visit in Marseille
– Marseille History Museum
– Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean
– Natural History Museum and Museum of Fine Arts
– Church of St. Lawrence
– The old Charite (vieille-charite-marseille.com)
– Roman docks museum.
– Marine Museum
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