Why is this tower called the ‘Fanal’?

The word ‘fanal’ refers to an old signal light used to guide ships. The Tour du Fanal takes its name from the light that used to be lit at its summit to mark the entrance to Marseille’s Old Port.

Is the Tour du Fanal still an active lighthouse?

No. The Tour du Fanal no longer serves as a lighthouse. It remains, however, a major testament to Marseille’s maritime history.

How tall is the Fanal Tower?

The Fanal Tower is around 20 metres high and overlooks the entrance to the Old Port from Fort Saint-Jean

Can you see the Fanal Tower from the Old Port?

Yes. The Tour du Fanal is clearly visible from the quays of the Old Port, the Mucem, Fort Saint-Nicolas and the boats entering or leaving the port.

Can we visit the Fanal Tower?

The Tour du Fanal is not open to the public for independent visits. However, it can be viewed as part of a tour of Fort Saint-Jean and the Mucem exhibition spaces.

What is the difference between the Tour du Fanal and Fort Saint-Jean?

Fort Saint-Jean is the fortified complex that has protected the entrance to the Old Port since the 17th century. The Tour du Fanal is one of the fort’s towers, built to serve as a lighthouse and guide ships.

Why is the Tour du Fanal famous?

The Fanal Tower is one of the symbols of Marseille’s maritime heritage. For several centuries, it has marked the entrance to the Old Port and serves as a reminder of Marseille’s vital role as a major Mediterranean port.

The Fanal Tower

A lookout at the entrance to the Old Port

Overlooking the entrance to the Old Port, the Fanal Tower is one of Fort Saint-Jean’s most iconic landmarks. Built in the 17th century to guide ships into the harbour, this former watchtower has stood guard over the entrance to the harbour for several centuries. Discover the history of this little-known tower, a testament to Marseille’s rich maritime past.

A tower built to guide ships

In the 17th century, Marseille was one of the principal trading ports of the Kingdom of France. Every day, numerous ships entered and left the harbour, making navigation difficult, particularly at night or in foggy conditions. To ensure the safe arrival of ships and protect the goods they carried, Marseille’s shipowners commissioned the construction of a tower designed to guide sailors to the entrance to the Lacydon cove.
Lights were then installed at its summit to make it easier to spot the port. The very name of the tower recalls this original function: the word ‘fanal’ comes from the Ancient Greek phanós, meaning ‘lantern’.

The Fanal Tower, a remarkable structure

Built on a square plinth, the Fanal Tower stands 30 metres tall and rises some 50 metres above sea level. The few people authorised to visit it are treated to an exceptional 360° panoramic view of Marseille.
Construction began on 22 March 1644 under the supervision of three master masons: Bœuf, Gay and Alluys. Built from solid ashlar stones transported by boat to the site, the tower features a unique double-cylinder design.
Halfway up, a continuous balcony rests on false machicolations, whilst a spiral staircase of 132 steps leads to the summit. Lit by a few loopholes, it reinforces the building’s military character. The tower is crowned by a stone dome, which gives it its distinctive silhouette. From 1980 onwards, major restoration work restored the Fanal Tower to its former glory. Today, it is one of the major architectural features of Fort Saint-Jean and the Mucem.

From watchtower to prison: an eventful history

For several centuries, the Fanal Tower fulfilled its role as a maritime beacon to the full. The lantern was lit when ships arrived, at night or when fog reduced visibility.
Two cannons, once installed at the foot of the tower, would fire a salute as ships entered the channel. In 1837, a fixed light was installed on a cylindrical masonry turret 5.75 metres high, situated at the foot of the round tower. This structure was raised in 1912 by means of a red pylon, bringing the light to a height of 7 metres.
During the French Revolution, Fort Saint-Jean was converted into a prison. The Fanal Tower was then fitted out with several small circular cells particularly suited to this new purpose. It remained in use as a place of detention until 1962. The interior walls still bear traces of this period today. Prisoners carved their prison timetables into the walls, produced numerous drawings (some of an erotic nature) and left a few rather unusual inscriptions.

Visiting the Fanal Tower

The Fanal Tower is not open to the public, but you can admire it up close during a visit to the Mucem. Fort Saint-Jean is, in fact, an integral part of the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations (Mucem). You can access the Mucem terrace free of charge; we invite you to climb the steps of the 28.5-metre-high square Tower of King René, where a breathtaking view of the harbour and the city awaits you. If you’d like to find out more, you can join our guided tour.