Garden of the Vestiges

The Jardin des Vestiges, located in the heart of Marseille, is an archaeological park that offers a fascinating glimpse into the ancient roots of the city. Discovered in 1967 during the construction of the Centre Bourse, this site revealed significant remains of the Greek-Roman port of Marseille, providing valuable information about the city’s ancient history. The discovery of the Jardin des Vestiges was a major archaeological event. During the construction of a shopping center, excavations unearthed parts of the port and fortifications dating back to the 6th century BC, when Marseille was known as Massalia, a Greek colony founded by the Phocaeans. The remains include sections of the city walls, paved streets, warehouses, and even a necropolis. This discovery has allowed historians to better understand the importance of Massalia as a commercial and strategic center in the ancient Mediterranean.The Jardin des Vestiges was designed to harmoniously integrate archaeological artifacts with urban green space, creating an area where visitors can stroll among ancient ruins and enjoy an oasis of tranquility in the city center. The park is structured to offer an educational path that guides visitors through the different historical periods represented by the remains. Information panels and maps help contextualize the artifacts, offering a clear and engaging narrative of the site’s history.One of the most impressive elements of the Jardin des Vestiges is the section of the fortified walls of Massalia, which represents one of the few remaining testimonies of the city’s ancient defenses. These walls, built with large stone blocks, demonstrate the engineering skill of the Phocaeans and their ability to adapt to difficult terrain. Next to the walls, the remains of paved streets and warehouses depict the daily life of the ancient inhabitants, highlighting the importance of trade and navigation for the city’s prosperity.The site also includes a dry dock, used for ship repairs, which shows how Massalia was a crucial point for maritime trade routes. Traces of tools and structures for ship maintenance provide insight into naval technology of the time and the organization of port activities. One of the most interesting anecdotes about the Jardin des Vestiges is related to the discovery of the necropolis. During the excavations, numerous tombs containing human remains and funerary goods were found, offering valuable information about funeral practices and religious beliefs of the ancient inhabitants of Massalia. This discovery greatly enriched the understanding of life and death in the ancient Greek colony.