Marseille France

#MarseilleFrancePhocaeanCity

As we enter the Port of Marseille we can see why its the largest in France plus the second biggest
on the Mediterranean Sea
It just oozes culture with a rich history dating back with the founding from the Greek settlers in 600 BC

KeyTip;
 No need for paid tours here as everything is very walkable

 Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde 
This Neo-Byzantine design was started in 1853 on an old site that once had a fort (1524) using its foundations for the base of the construction that was overlooking the harbor

For many centuries because of its Maritime History and connection to the sea for its immense  economic importance
 Part of the church has a chapel dedicated to the Virgin Mary
as she was considered a protector and guide for sailors especially during storms or difficult voyages

Many Designs
There are a diverse range of architectural buildings to see while walking
 the streets

The Local "Discussion"
The French (in this case through street art) love to protest or debate
Liberty of expression is a cornerstone of a democratic lifestyle which is critical thinking to be able to analyze, evaluate and challenge the status quo

Significant Digits
Did you know the number 59 can represent personal freedom and humanitarianism
Probably the person living here does not know that 😂 but i took the picture anyway

Many Meanings
I am sure the city placed these butterflies in the trees lining the streets as it commonly symbolizes hope, transformation and rebirth (the life cycle from caterpillar to winged adult)

Marseille
It is the oldest City in France and enjoys over 2900 hours of sunshine per year, making it the most in the country hence one of the most visited by tourists

Humoralism Methods
Was told by my barista (after showing the photo) this is what is known as Old Medicine of Marseille which refers to the practice of Crinas of Marseilles

Astromedicine
It would be of a 1st century physician who used astrological knowledge to apply it to his patients
 for meal times and determining diets

      

Found this manufacturing area of one of seven factories (1660) that produced 20,000 tons of soap annually                                            

      The paste then was made by mixing beechwood ash and goats tallow which besides washing clothes, dyed hair red, it was also recognized as having certain medicinal properties                                                                                                 

       KeyTip; to present day, Marseille Soap are marketed as such, but the name/brand is not protected so beware                           

         The first thing to do is look at the color of the soap; if red, pink, yellow or blue they are knockoffs                                                      

        Marseille Soaps are either green (made from olive oil) or white (peanut oil, palm and copa)                                                       

                 There is your shopping tip for today jajajajjaja 😅

Quartier de le Bourse
On the streets looking for the location of the first public cafe dating back in 1671 in the
Exchange Neighborhood

Famous Facade
Once you find it this area, look for the stone exterior that features carved names of the global explorers
 Christopher Columbus, Ferdinand Magellan and James Cook

KeyTip
Musee dHistoire de Marseille
It an underground museum next to the modern Centre Bourse commercial area and it
features the Gardens of Ruins
It the remains from when the Phocaean sailors first founded this amazing city

Multicultural Population
The city is renowned for its diverse and pluralistic society,
 which was the result of centuries of immigration from around the Mediterranean, Africa
and other parts of Europe

 

 Panier District
Known as the oldest part of the city with its roots dating back to over 2600 years to an
ancient Greek settlement
Experience its narrow streets, colorful houses and great atmosphere while
sitting at the cafes

Saved From Destruction
In the 20th Century plans were drawn up to tear down parts of this historic neighborhood for
(you guessed it, for modern parking structures 😒) but thankfully was saved following interventions
by cultural authorities

 The Mediterranean
As we leave this port, here are some fun facts of this great City of Marseille

A) Older than Paris; over 2600 years, when the Greek sailors from
Phocaea landed here
B) National Anthem Connection; the volunteer soldiers from this city sang LaMarseillaise
as they marched into Paris
C) Birthplace of Bouillabaisse; the local fishermen originally created this world famous fish stew by using their unsold daily catch
D) Submerged Prehistoric Art; because of rising sea levels the famous Cosquer Cave and its Paleolithic Drawings are under 37 meters (120 feet) of water