Church of Notre-Dame-des-Accoules

Church in Marseille

Marseille Paroisse Notre-Dame De La Major Tour — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Zairon

The Notre-Dame-des-Accoules church and its bell tower, designated as a Historic Monument on July 7, 1964, stand as significant historical relics. These structures are what remain of the medieval church demolished in 1794. The site also features a Calvary established in 1820 and a newly built church completed between 1824 and 1826.

According to legend, the church was built atop the ruins of an ancient temple dedicated to Minerva. In 1033, nuns from the Abbey of Saint-Sauveur in Marseille took charge of the site. By 1060, it was linked to the property of the Sancta Maria ad Acuas monastery, itself connected to the Abbey of Saint-Victor. A column still bearing an inscription marks the church’s reconstruction in 1205.

In the upheaval of 1793, the Accoules church became a focal point for a municipal section participating in a federalist revolt against the Convention. After the federalists were defeated, local representatives ordered the demolition of the church and other buildings used as their gathering spots.

Despite the extensive demolition of the Gothic structure, the bell tower was spared because of its essential role in keeping time for the city and the port. The rear wall of the original church also remains, showing remnants of the building’s three naves.

In 1820, a crypt containing the Holy Sepulcher and surmounted by a rock calvary was integrated into the surviving back wall. Furthermore, the adjacent Place du Calvaire was established and enclosed by a gate, adding to the site’s historical ensemble.

The Church of Notre-Dame-des-Accoules appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marseille!

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