La Citadelle, nestled within Fort Saint-Nicolas, is an emblematic landmark in the Marseilles skyline. Perched on a hill, this former prison dominates the city and watches over its inhabitants. Its white stone walls, typical of southern architecture, take visitors on a journey through the city’s history, through its corridors and nooks and crannies. Be sure to explore every corner of this place steeped in history, while taking in the breathtaking view of the Vieux-Port and the Mediterranean.
From here, you’re just a short stroll (and quite a few steps, mind you) to the city’s patron saint, Notre-Dame de la Garde, and all of Marseille’s interesting districts. It’s enough to organize a stroll and lose yourself in the streets all day, ending with a candlelight concert under the stars!
Anecdotes and curiosities about La Citadelle
1. Rebellious Marseilles
Marseille’s assertive temperament is nothing new. As early as 1657, the inhabitants rose up against two consuls who wished to equip the ship of the Chevalier de Vendôme, son of the Duc de Mercœur, at the city’s expense. Riots broke out, and it wasn’t until 1660, after direct intervention by the King ordering the construction of a citadel to keep an eye on the Marseillais, that the unrest came to an end. Strategically placed, this fortress dominates the city and offers an unobstructed view of the port to ward off possible attacks from the sea.
2. Record-breaking work
A famous military engineer, Chevalier Louis Nicolas de Clerville, was commissioned to build the citadel, and the first stone was laid in 1660 by the Duc de Mercœur. Materials from the demolition of the Porte Royale and surrounding walls were used to erect the citadel, which was completed in 1663. And despite an interruption in work in 1663 due to the death of Mazarin, France’s prime minister at the time, the citadel was completed in 1664– just 4 years for this immense edifice.
3. Saved from destruction
During the French Revolution, Fort Saint-Nicolas aroused fears among the population. In April 1790, the commune’s general council requested access to the Citadelle. The fort’s commander, thinking a mutiny was in the offing, signed an agreement to let in the national guards. In May 1790, the mob began destroying the eastern part of the citadel, but the National Assembly ordered a halt to the demolition in order to preserve the cultural heritage. In 1833, Prefect Thomas restored the demolished parts, but the quality of the restoration stones contrasted with the intact pink-stone sections of Cap Couronne.
Candlelight concerts at La Citadelle
Today, the citadel’s atmosphere is more than serene, and its white stone walls lend a sense of security as you enter. Under the starry skies of Marseille, you’ll have the chance to attend magnificent concerts paying tribute to some of the world’s greatest musical artists, while the flames of candles will color the white walls surrounding you, creating a warm atmosphere.
What else can you do at La Citadelle?
Listed as a historic monument since 1969, the Citadelle is still being restored. The project of the association that manages it is to restore it according to the rules linked to its“Monument Historique” classification, and to open it entirely to the public. Although only part of the building can be visited today, it should be fully accessible by 2030.
In the meantime, you can stroll along its narrow streets, listening to fascinating stories on guided tours, in its gardens, open 240 days a year from May 5, and soak up its history.
The citadel of Fort Saint-Nicolas is one of the world’s architectural nuggets that could have been built especially for a Candlelight concert, so well does the venue adapt to the event. White stone walls surrounding open-air spaces overlooking the sea and the old port? We couldn’t have dreamed of anything better. In this timeless little bubble, share an intimate moment with the musicians as they pay tribute to the great names in music. It joins the list of exceptional venues hosting Candlelight concerts.