Saint Victor Basilica

Founded early in the 5th Century by Saint Cassien, a recluse monk, in honour of Saint Victor, patron saint of the bakers and sailors. Archaeologists discovered remnants of the Greek necropolis dating back to the 11th century B.C. It was full of antic pagan and Christian sarcophagi. Destroyed by the Sarrasins, it was rebuilt and defence works were added around 1040 B.C. that make it look like a fortress. On February 2nd, the day of the Candlemas, long processions walk up from the Vieux Port (Ancient Port) to worship the Black Virgin, dressed in gold and green. On this occasion, her statue is blessed as well as the "navettes", a sort of orange flavoured biscuits in the shape of rowboats which commemorate the landing of Mary Madeleine and Mary Jacobé, sister of the Virgin Mary.