The Church of Saint Laurent, also known as the Church of Saint Lawrence, stands in the north-west of the Old Town of Marseille. Built in the 12th century in the Romanesque style, this unique old building was miraculously preserved.

In ancient times, the bishop of Marseille ordered the construction of a fortification known as the "Castle of Babon", which was supposed to protect the area from the raids of pirates and Muslim nomads.

After several centuries, the life of the port city gradually stabilized. Then, in these beautiful times, the simple and elegant Catholic Church of Saint Laurent appeared on the top of the hill. However, it got its present-day appearance only in the 17th century, when the tall octagonal tower of Saint Catherine was added to the main building during a large-scale reconstruction.

After the French Revolution, the church ceased to function, its property was confiscated, precious objects were melted down into silver and gold coins, and the building itself was turned into a warehouse.

During the Second World War, the old church miraculously survived, although most of the Old Town was destroyed. The German occupiers stored ammunition in the church building.

Inside the church, there are two ancient sculptures dedicated to Virgin Mary and Saint Lawrence.

Today, the Romanesque church is still functioning. It hosts baptisms, funerals, wedding ceremonies. On Sundays, everyone can attend a mass in French.

Next to the church, there is an observation deck, which offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Old Port of Marseille and the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde, towering over the city. You can climb there to take wonderful photos in front of the snow-white masts of the Marseille harbor.

A pedestrian bridge that leads to Fort Saint-Jean starts right from the church. Today, the fort includes the tower of King Rene, the chapel of Saint John, the lighthouse, and the ruins of the old barracks.

The Museum of Civilizations of Europe and the Mediterranean is not far from here.