Monastère orthodoxe Sainte-Marie, Military fort on Porquerolles Island, France
The Orthodox Monastery of Sainte-Marie is a fortress on Porquerolles Island positioned at about 100 meters above sea level. The structure comprises multiple vaulted casemates and underground chambers for ammunition storage, all connected by a central courtyard.
The fortress was built starting in 1882 under Captain Marinier's direction to defend Porquerolles Bay and the Port-Cros islands. In the 20th century, the installation shifted from military use to Orthodox monastic purpose and gained historic monument protection status in 1989.
The monastery represents an unusual blend of military structure and Orthodox faith, visible in the chapels arranged within the fortress casemates. Romanian monks have transformed the location into a center for prayer and contemplation, where visitors can discover icons and religious symbols throughout the space.
The monastery sits on Porquerolles Island, accessible by ferry from Hyères. The courtyard and casemates can be explored on foot, though visitors should expect uneven surfaces and narrow passages within the structure.
The fortress contains an ingenious lift system from its military days, specifically designed to transport ammunition to underground storage areas. This engineering feature reveals how advanced the defensive installation was for its era.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
