La Vieille Charité, nestled in the heart of Marseille's historic Panier district, is a testament to the city's rich cultural and architectural heritage. Originally known as Vieille Charité, this 17th-century building was designed by the renowned architect Pierre Puget. It was initially built to house the poor and indigent of Marseille, reflecting the social and economic challenges of the time. Today, La Vieille Charité stands as a beautifully restored cultural center, attracting visitors from around the world with its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural offerings.
The story of La Vieille Charité begins in the early 17th century, a time when Marseille was grappling with a significant increase in poverty and vagrancy. In response to a royal edict on the confinement of the poor and beggars, the city council of Marseille decided to create a dedicated space to house the city's most vulnerable residents. The initial plan, approved in December 1622, aimed to gather the native poor of Marseille in a suitable location chosen by the city's consuls.
It wasn't until June 1640 that the first stone of the temporary facilities was laid, thanks to the efforts of Emmanuel Pachier, a canon theologian of the cathedral. The first indigents were welcomed in June 1641, marking the beginning of what would become a significant architectural and social project.
As the number of residents grew, it became clear that more extensive facilities were needed. In 1671, after considering various proposals, the city chose the design of Pierre Puget, a local architect born in the Panier district. Puget's vision included a grand complex of buildings to accommodate the increasing number of poor individuals. Despite financial challenges, construction began in August 1671, and the north wing was completed by 1678.
Puget's design also included a chapel, financed by a generous donation from Honoré de Seigneuret. Although Puget passed away in 1694, the chapel was completed in 1704. The entire complex, including the south wings, was finally finished in 1745 under the supervision of Puget's son, François Puget.
La Vieille Charité is a stunning example of 17th-century architecture, constructed from pink and white stone from the Couronne quarry. The complex consists of four wings arranged in a rectangular layout, enclosing a central courtyard. The exterior walls are devoid of windows, creating a fortress-like appearance, while the interior features three levels of arcaded galleries that open onto the courtyard.
At the heart of the complex lies the chapel, a masterpiece of baroque architecture with an elliptical dome. The chapel's entrance is adorned with Corinthian columns and a pediment depicting the theme of Charity welcoming indigent children, flanked by two pelicans feeding their young. This striking structure, completed between 1861 and 1863, serves as a focal point within the quadrangle.
La Vieille Charité was not just a place of refuge but also a site of strict confinement. Guards known as chasse-gueux were tasked with capturing beggars, expelling foreigners, and confining local indigents within the hospice. Inside, residents were put to work in various workshops, and children were placed as apprentices or domestic workers. Over time, the number of residents grew, reaching over 1,000 by the mid-18th century. However, the practice of confining the poor gradually fell out of favor, and the number of residents declined.
By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, La Vieille Charité had lost its original purpose and fell into disrepair. It served various functions, including housing for military personnel and displaced residents. During World War II, it provided shelter for families evacuated from the Vieux-Port district. However, the building continued to deteriorate, and by the mid-20th century, it was in a state of severe neglect.
Efforts to save La Vieille Charité began in earnest in the 1950s, with the building being classified as a historical monument in 1951. In the 1960s, a comprehensive restoration project was initiated, led by the French Minister of Culture, André Malraux. The restoration work, which included replacing damaged stones and renovating the chapel and galleries, was completed in the 1980s.
Today, La Vieille Charité has been transformed into a vibrant cultural center. The complex houses several museums, including the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology and the Museum of African, Oceanian, and Amerindian Arts. These museums feature extensive collections of artifacts from ancient civilizations, offering visitors a fascinating glimpse into the history and cultures of the Mediterranean and beyond.
La Vieille Charité also serves as a hub for academic and research institutions. The EHESS (School for Advanced Studies in the Social Sciences) campus in Marseille is located here, fostering interdisciplinary research and international collaboration in the fields of history, anthropology, sociology, and more.
La Vieille Charité is not just a historical monument; it is a living testament to the resilience and cultural richness of Marseille. Its beautifully restored architecture and dynamic cultural offerings make it an essential destination for anyone visiting this vibrant Mediterranean city. As you wander through its arcaded galleries and explore its museums, you will be transported through centuries of history, experiencing the enduring legacy of this remarkable site.
Get your Tickets now!
With myCityHunt you can discover thousands of cities around the world in exciting scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and escape games!
myCityHunt vouchers are the perfect gift for many occasions! Surprise your friends and family with this extraordinary event gift. myCityHunt gift vouchers are valid for 2 years from the date of purchase and can be used within this period for a freely selectable city and tour from the myCityHunt portfolio.
Buy Gift Vouchers
