FORT SAINT JEAN (AN)

Where are we? Prom. Louis Brauquier, 13002  

Historical and chronological situation: The fort was built in the middle ages in the context of the medieval crusades. 

Introduction: Saint Jean Fort is a military complex that has served to protect and monitor the city of Marseille in numerous cases. It is the fort on the right of the Old Port and is currently one of the most important tourist attractions in the city. 

History: The Saint Jean fort was built in the 12th century and has been used on various occasions throughout the history of Marseille to guard and defend the city. The first to use it were the Crusaders of the Order of Hospitallers of Saint John of Jerusalem, also known as the Knights of Malta. They were responsible for building the first tower that was collapsed some time later in 1423. To replace it, King René had the square tower built. 

Later, in the 17th century, Marseille merchants wanted to make sure that the port was a safe area and that no unknown ship could approach less than 20 kilometers without being recognized, and for this reason, Marseille built the Fanal tower. Later, Louis XIV built a flood pit around the fort so that the fortress could be isolated and even more secure. 

In addition, it should also be noted that it was used as a state prison during the French revolution and as an ammunition depot during the German occupation, a function which suffered a major explosion in 1944. 

Official Website: There isn’t official website. https://www.marseilletourisme.fr/fr/que-voir/patrimoine-culture/monuments/fort-saint-jean/