Marseille sights: Top 25

Parc Borely
After a day of sightseeing in Marseille a walk through the park is a relief. The park and chateau were originally owned by the family of a wealthy ship owner and industrialist, Borely. The park and chateau originally belonged to the family of a wealthy industrialist, Boreli, but the area eventually fell under the ownership of the city. A must-see in Marseille is the marvellous gardens of England, Japan, France and the Mediterranean, combined with the Botanical Gardens. The 18th-century château is no less interesting, with a collection of decorative arts and earthenware inside.

Château d'If
In order to protect the city from attacks by the sea, a castle was built on the island in the mid-16th century, and later served as a prison. Mirabeau, a French revolutionary, was imprisoned here. Everyone knows about the place thanks to the famous author Alexandre Dumas: The writer recounted the enigmatic fortress in his legendary novel, The Count of Monte Cristo.

Musee Vielle Charité
This unique exhibition is housed in a beautiful 17th-century building, originally a hospital and workhouse. As well as archaeology and art museums, with specimens from the Americas, Oceania and Africa, there is also a cultural and exhibition centre. If visiting the museums themselves doesn't interest you, come and see the Baroque chapel and beautiful courtyard.

Marseille Cathedral
What to see in Marseille in 1 day for history and architecture lovers? This colourful cathedral is from the 19th century. Many Byzantine techniques were used in its construction: inside and outside the building is decorated with charming frescoes and mosaics, sculptures and bas-reliefs, and other decorations. Visitors are particularly fascinated by the elegant balustrades and powerful, rounded domes. The Marseille Cathedral is listed as one of the "Leading Sights of France".

Abbey of Saint Victor
According to historians, this ancient 5th-century church was destroyed by nomads and rebuilt in the 11th century. The abbey, which got its name in memory of the great martyr Victor, resembles a medieval fortress. Guides in Marseille recommend a visit: inside the cathedral you can see unique relics created during the construction of the building itself.

Palais Longchamp
An elegant castle considered the real jewel of Marseille. The date of construction is the 19th century. The grounds of Lonchamp are full of amazing architectural masterpieces: a fine arts museum, a beautiful fountain with several levels of sculptures, a symmetrical triumphal arch, and an observatory which allows you to see all the stars in the sky. Thanks to the local water tower, which supplies water to all areas of Marseille, the attraction is often referred to as the Water Palace. Your trip here will be unforgettable.

Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
What's the first thing you should see in Marseille? A beautiful 19th-century Catholic cathedral built on top of a hill. The architectural style of the building is neo-Byzantine. The building is decorated with a gilded figure of the Virgin Mary. The complex includes observation decks from which you can see incredible panoramas of the French city and the surrounding area.