Memorial heritage

If the fort Saint-Nicolas is primarily known for its position as a fortification erected against the inhabitants and as a symbol of central power, it is also present in the memory of many Marseillais for many other reasons. Primarily built to house garrisons, many soldiers, and later civilians, have stayed there. Thus, from its construction in 1660 until the insertion projects through the restoration by the ACTA VISTA association from 2002, thousands of people have traversed it, worked there, been housed, imprisoned, judged, betrayed, monitored, defended, plundered, experimented, killed, celebrated, restored, commemorated: they have composed the plural history of an essential monument in the city's history.

In parallel with the history of the stones and construction, witnesses to the technical developments in architecture and artillery as well as usage, the memorial heritage bears witness to the trajectories of those who have crossed it and allows us to consider the fort Saint-Nicolas not only as a fortification or barracks but also as a place of life, confinement, research, or espionage. This memorial heritage, carried by experts, enlightened amateurs, and archived testimonies, is, concerning the 20th and 21st centuries, mainly held by descendants of detainees, former soldiers, employees, or scientists and is subject to memory collection.

The writing and participatory valorization of this memorial heritage are part of the scientific and cultural project of the Citadelle de Marseille.

Discover the history of the armed forces health and veterinary service from 1978 to 2011