Marazion Arts and Heritage

Marazion is a lively place that is rightly proud of its Cornish heritage. Explore the winding streets and lanes to get a feel of the town’s long history, and look out for pop-up exhibitions, events and markets. You might be lucky and catch live music in the pubs, the Maypole Gardens and the island harbour, as well as performances in the church and community centre

Marazion in Legends

Like St Agnes, Marazion was once home to fearsome giants – in this case a brace of giants, the fearsome power-couple Cormoran and Cormelian. Cormoran was famously slain by Jack the Giant Killer, trapped forever in a pit on St Michael’s Mount.

Marazion has long been a significant spiritual centre. Ley lines meet and cross at the Mount, which was named after the archangel (who appeared there to fishermen in the fifth century). Was the forest surrounding the once-landlocked Mount the legendary Lyonesse, and was the island itself the important prehistoric trading post of Ictis?

Independent Galleries in Marazion

Like many Cornish coastal towns, Marazion attracts artists searching for inspiration. There are several excellent independent galleries in town, including The Summerhouse, Market House, Gwelva and Marazion galleries. You are also a short drive or enjoyable walk away from the many galleries in Penzance and Newlyn.

Speaking of which, you can discover Newlyn School paintings closer to home at the Stewards House Gallery on the Mount, as well as the art collection in the castle itself. Spend a day discovering the art installations among the plants at Tremenheere Sculpture Gardens (in nearby Gulval). You can find out more about the town’s history in the Marazion Museum (seasonal – check Facebook for opening times) and in further exhibitions on the Mount.