This complex of brawny fortresses encloses the Vieux Port's entry from both sides. In order to keep the feisty, rebellious Marseillais under his thumb, Louis XIV had the fortresses built with the guns pointing toward the city. The Marseillais, whose local identity has always been mixed with a healthy dose of irony, are quite proud of this display of the king's (justified) doubts about their allegiance. They're best viewed from the Jardin du Pharo.
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