16 Esplanade de la Tourette

Overlooking the entrance to the Old Port from the Esplanade de la Tourette (2nd arrondissement), Saint-Laurent Church is a jewel of Romanesque-Provençal architecture and one of the oldest places of worship in Marseille.

Built in the 12th century on the remains of an ancient temple probably dedicated to Apollo, it stands on a hilltop inhabited since Antiquity. Its history goes back even further to the year 870, when Bishop Babon founded a religious enclosure to protect the city from invasions. Saint-Laurent is the only medieval parish church in Marseille still standing today.

The church is constructed entirely of pink limestone from Cap Couronne, a local stone used in many Provençal monuments, which gives it a warm and sturdy appearance. Cap Couronne is located on the Mediterranean coast, west of Marseille, in the commune of Martigues in the Bouches-du-Rhône department. From the 13th century onward, the church became the parish of Marseille’s fishermen — a role it still fulfils today.

During the French Revolution the church was stripped of its precious objects and converted into a military warehouse, but it was reopened for worship in 1801. In 1943 it narrowly escaped the massive destructions inflicted on the district by occupying forces, although it did suffer significant damage.

Classified as a Historic Monument in 1950, Saint-Laurent Church has been recently restored and retains today all of its dignity. From its forecourt the panoramic view over the port and emblematic city sites such as the MuCEM and Fort Saint-Jean is spectacular.

The church remains an active place of worship and welcomes visitors year-round.

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