Fort Saint Nicolas

A vestige of the past and an integral part of Marseille's heritage, Fort Saint-Nicolas is a must-see site that still tells the story of the city behind its imposing stones.

Construction
Built on the orders of Louis XIV between 1660 and 1664 by the Chevalier de Clerville, Fort Saint-Nicolas was intended both to keep watch over the city and its hostile inhabitants, and to protect against attacks from the sea. The king was keen to build a citadel in the "cleanest" part of the city. Stones from the old Porte Royale and from Cap Couronne were used in its construction.

Demolition and redevelopment
During the French Revolution, the people of Marseilles, concerned about the threat posed by the fort, decided to demolish it. The National Assembly ordered the destruction to be halted, in order to preserve this defensive structure.

Restoration work began, with the greyish stone contrasting with the pinkish stone used in the past. In 1860, when the Résidence impériale (Palais du Pharo) was built, Fort Saint-Nicolas was cut in two to allow automobile traffic on Boulevard Charles Livon, linking the Vieux-Port and the Pharo district. Today, still split in two, the fort comprises a seaward section, Fort Ganteaume, and a landward section, Fort d'Entrecasteaux.

Functions
In 1823, following the Duc d'Angoulême's expedition to Spain, many prisoners were confined to the fort. A few years later, in 1832, it was also used as a place of detention for sailors from the Duchess de Berry's ship. Fort Saint-Nicolas remained a prison until the end of the Second World War. Fort Ganteaume (on the seaward side of Fort Saint Nicolas) now houses the military circle and officers' mess. Fort d'Entrecasteaux - the Marseilles Citadel - (on the landward side of Fort Saint-Nicolas), meanwhile, has a section open to the public.

La Citadelle de Marseille, a third-party heritage center for creativity and innovation
Since 2021, the city of Marseille has entrusted the management of Fort Saint-Nicolas to the association "la Citadelle de Marseille". Its ambition is to restore and transform this defensive military fort into a place for living, sharing and culture;culture; a heritage third place for creations and innovations, and reconnect citizens to their history and heritage in a sustainable and inclusive approach. Admire the view, have a drink, embark on the fascinating history of this site and its restoration through tours and workshops, take an interest in the life of the soil and plant species, and experience cultural events in a unique setting in Marseille.