Abbey of Saint Victor
Come and visit the Abbey of Saint Victor which is the Christian art museum of Provence of the first millennium!
In the 5th century, the monastery was founded by Jean Cassien next to Saint Victor’s tomb, a Christian officer and a martyr of Marseille sentenced to death in 290 on the orders of the Emperor Maximien, whose name was given to it.
The second part was built in the 11th century with the Atrium which was transformed into a crypt by the erection of the abbey.
In 1020, a Catalonian monk, Isarn, undertook the large part of the works : the building of the first high Church to which the tower would belong (known as Isarn) which can be accessed today in the Church, and the main altar which was consecrated in 1040. From the end of the 12th century until the 13th century, the abbey was entirely rebuilt according to the rules of Roman builders. It is thanks to William of Grimoard, then Abbot of Saint-Victor (who became Pope in Avignon under the name of Urbain V) that the fortification of the monastery was done.
The abbey had an important place in the area until the 15th century but then embarked on an irreversible decline. It has been classifed as an historic monument.
Each year at Candlemas, an important pilgrimage takes place in Saint-Victor : a procession leaves Vieux-Port for Saint-Victor going along the Rue Sainte. The black Virgin, usually kept in the crypt, is dressed up in her green coat and presented to the crowd, the Archbishop blesses her, celebrates mass and then leads the procession to the Four des Navettes (the bakery where they make shuttle shaped baguettes).
A few minutes walk from the Abbey of Saint Victor, you can find the famous New Hotel of Marseille, a hotel in Marseille with pool both chic and design. In being close to the Pharo, you will be able to reach the Vieux Port and enjoy the city center quickly.
Information :
3, rue de l'Abbaye
13007 MARSEILLE
The Basilica is open from 9am to 7pm
Tel : 04 96 11 22 60
Metro : Vieux Port (line 1) Canebière exit then Bus N° 54-55-6O-61-8O-81
Photo : Copyright OTCM
