Abbaye Saint Victor, Marseille

This ancient abbey is an excellent piece of Roman architecture. You will easily identify Abbaye Saint Victor as a monastic foundation depicting the Roman style and culture. Abbaye Saint Victor Abbey has been named after the saint, a famous martyr and a local brave soldier – Victor of Marseilles. There are conflicting views on the actual era of origin of this abbey. Some believe that the origin of this site goes back to 415 AD, when the first monasteries were founded in Marseilles by John Cassian. Other archaeologists argue that the archaelogical eveidences at this site are only as old as the 5th century. This site has had a troubled history. Once considered as a treasure grove of relics, gold, and silver, the site was robbed of its valuables in 1794. The relics were destroyed or burnt, and the gold and silver were melted to form coins. Now, the once magnificent abbey is left only with a church deicated to St. Victor. The abbey houses some crypts as well. Before you visit Marseille, use our trip planner to discover what you can do and see there.