The city of Marseille experienced a period of intense conflict with King Louis XIV from 1655 to 1660. The latter went to Fort Saint-Jean on March 2, 1660, with the aim of reestablishing his authority, by reinforcing the port with the construction of two structures at its entrance (one to the south and one to the north of the port), as well as an arsenal of galleys.
In 1679, during the revolt of the people of Marseille, a rebellion was launched against the order of the King of France. A ditch was dug from Vauban to the port. The latter would keep a military vocation until the revolution, then be transformed into a state prison.
In the 20th century, during the Second World War, the Germans seized the fort to store their munitions. In August 1944, the munitions accidentally exploded, which destroyed a large part of the building.
The origin of the name "Fort Saint-Jean" comes from the 12th century, in homage to the commandery of the Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem. At the time, the commandery was composed of a church, a chapel, a hospital and the commander's palace, all completed in the year 1365. At the same time, the Hospitallers decided to undertake the construction of a tower adjoining the tower of Saint-Jean: the tower of King René (current name). This tower is one of the most beautiful buildings in Marseille to this day.
As an anecdote, remains of the first Greek occupation in the 6th century BC were found in the same area.
The surrounding wall destroyed during the war was partially rebuilt in the 1970s. The courtyard of the King René Tower was renovated in the early 2000s.
Currently, the ramparts of Fort Saint-Jean are divided into two levels (lower and upper). In the lower part, you can find the square-plan tower of King René, a square marking the entrance to the officers' gallery, a building of the DRASSM (Department of Underwater and Submarine Archaeological Research) and a chapel. In the upper part of the Port, you will find the officers' gallery, the former demolished barracks, a former barracks and the round tower of the beacon. For more details on the Fort, do not hesitate to take part in the guided tours organized, in order to be able to ask all the questions to the experts of Marseille.
SOURCE OFFICE TOURISME MARSEILLE
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