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Port Antique: Unearthing Marseille's Ancient Past

Discover Marseille's ancient Greek roots at the Port Antique, an archaeological garden showcasing the city's maritime history.

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The Port Antique, or Jardin des Vestiges, is an archaeological site in the heart of Marseille, revealing the city's Greek origins as Massalia around 600 BC. Unearthed during construction in 1967, it showcases ancient ramparts, quays, and a Roman road, offering a tangible connection to Marseille's layered history.

A brief summary to Port Antique

Local tips

  • Visit early in the morning for a quieter experience and to enjoy the serene atmosphere.
  • Wear comfortable shoes, as the area is best explored on foot.
  • Check for guided tours available to enhance your understanding of the site's history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are near Marseille's Old Port (Vieux-Port), you can walk to Port Antique. Head east on Quai des Belges, continuing onto Rue de la République. Turn left onto Rue Henri Barbusse. The Port Antique will be on your right at 2 Rue Henri Barbusse. The walk is about 15 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From the Vieux-Port, take Metro Line 1 (blue line) towards La Rose and get off at the Bourse station. The Jardin des Vestiges is located within the Centre Bourse. Alternatively, trams 2 and 3 stop at Belsunce-Alcazar, a short walk from the Centre Bourse. A single RTM ticket costs €1.70.

  • Taxi/Ride-Share

    A taxi or ride-share from the Vieux-Port to the Centre Bourse will take approximately 5-10 minutes, depending on traffic. Expect to pay around €8-€12. Specify 'Centre Bourse' or 'Musée d'Histoire de Marseille' as your destination. Taxi rates in Marseille start at approximately €1.80 per km.

Unlock the Best of Port Antique

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Discover more about Port Antique

The Port Antique, also known as the Jardin des Vestiges, offers a captivating glimpse into Marseille's ancient origins. This archaeological site, located in the heart of the city, reveals the foundations upon which modern Marseille was built. The story begins with Massalia, a Greek colony established by settlers from Phocaea around 600 BC. They chose this strategic location to establish a trading post, which grew into one of the Mediterranean's most important port cities. The Jardin des Vestiges owes its existence to a chance discovery in 1967 during construction work for the Centre Bourse shopping mall. The remains of the ancient port were unearthed, sparking ongoing archaeological excavations. The site opened to the public in 1983. As you explore the Jardin des Vestiges, you'll encounter ruins spanning several centuries. The most prominent features include sections of the ancient Greek ramparts, defensive structures from the 4th and 2nd centuries BC. Remnants of the ancient port itself, including quays and wharves, evoke the bustling atmosphere of a thriving maritime hub. A significant discovery was the wreck of a 3rd-century AD Roman ship. A section of a Roman road, dating back to the 4th century AD, also served as a vital artery for transportation and communication. Today, the garden provides a tranquil escape from the modern city.

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