Ancre en forme de cœur Sculpture

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Could a symbol of the sea also symbolize love? Here, before you, stands the Ancre en forme de cœur, a heart-shaped anchor. The Ancre en forme de cœur is more than just a striking sculpture. It embodies a powerful message of friendship and connection between two port cities: Marseille and Odessa. This artwork isn’t originally from Marseille. It was a gift, a symbol of solidarity from Odessa, a city in Ukraine twinned with Marseille since 1972. Both cities share a deep-rooted love for the sea, a bond reflected in this unique sculpture. Odessa’s symbol is an anchor with inward-curling hooks that form a heart, much like the Ancre en forme de cœur you see before you. Gennadiy Trukhanov, Odessa’s mayor, gifted similar heart-anchor sculptures to several twin cities, including Istanbul, Regensburg, and Piraeus. The Ancre en forme de cœur, created by Ukrainian artist O.M. Shevchenko, stands over two meters tall, crafted from a copper alloy. Originally located at Prado seaside park, near the Roucas Blanc nautical base, it found a new home in front of Marseille’s City Hall in 2022, further solidifying the bond between the two cities. This relocation served as a poignant display of support for Ukraine during a time of conflict. The sculpture’s heart-shaped anchor serves as a symbol of hope and resilience, a testament to the enduring power of friendship across borders. The Ancre en forme de cœur, a gift from the heart of Odessa, continues to resonate with meaning here in Marseille, reminding us of the shared human connection that binds us together.

The story of Ancre en forme de cœur Sculpture in Marseille is just one of many fascinating insights you can discover with Explory. To experience the city beyond its surface, you need more than just a map – you need a smart guide that reveals the background, the culture, and the character of each place. With Explory’s city guide, you can dive deeper into Marseille and transform your visit into a unique city tour filled with stories that bring history and everyday life to light. Explory connects you with Marseille in a new way. Our guide doesn’t just show you where to go – it enriches your journey with context and atmosphere. Through carefully designed routes and storytelling, you’ll uncover hidden gems and unexpected highlights that even locals might miss. The audio guide makes the city come alive, allowing you to listen while you walk and explore at your own pace. Our city guide is ideal for travelers who want more than sightseeing. Whether your interest is culture, architecture, or local traditions, Explory enables authentic exploration. Each city tour is flexible and intuitive, helping you experience Marseille with freedom while still being guided by expert knowledge. By combining narrative, navigation, and discovery, Explory ensures your trip becomes an adventure filled with hidden gems and lasting impressions. Take the next step and download the Explory App today. Inside, you’ll find over 300 cities and more than 500,000 POIs and stories to explore. Whether you’re searching for a reliable guide, want to try an immersive audio guide, or plan a memorable city tour, Explory is your all-in-one companion. Begin your journey now and uncover the true essence of Marseille – only with Explory.

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