Built heritage
The Citadelle stands out in several ways, marking the entrance to the port of Marseille alongside fort Saint-Jean. Its mass and silhouette are distinctive, appearing to emerge naturally from the cliff with its pink-tinted ramparts that complement other landmarks in the city. The strategic design of the citadel, intended to dominate and surveil the city primarily, is evident from its height, raising the perspective to over 50 meters above the water level. Its layout follows the model of bastioned fortifications with a double-walled star-shaped plan adapting to the terrain's relief and surrounded by a rampart envelope that clings on one side to the massive steep cliff.
To ensure its defense and autonomy, the walls and thick ramparts are built of stone, with projecting bastions providing additional protection with optimized firing angles and serving as observation points. The glacis and moats make approaching the citadel more difficult, preceding the gates reinforced by a drawbridge system. Structures and logistical installations such as protected courtyards, housing, casemates, cisterns, wells, the powder magazine, the mill, and gardens were integrated into the fort to ensure the garrison's autonomy and self-sufficiency. The underground passages with their stores were used to store supplies, move discreetly, and provide secure spaces. The fortification combines powerful architecture with tactical devices and strategic installations, thus creating an integrated ensemble ensuring its defense and autonomy.
Over time, the Citadelle undergoes transformations, losing some distinctive elements and evolving to adapt to progress and the various uses of military occupation.
Today, despite these changes, the views of the Citadelle are protected, and its classification as a Historical Monument allows for a reflection and a vast restoration project of the built heritage entrusted for 20 years to ACTA VISTA.
The project aims to transform and restore the Citadelle into a place of reception, creation, and culture.