Is it possible for a street to be both historically significant and intensely steep? Yes, Traverse Gazzino in Marseille answers this question.
Traverse Gazzino. It is not just a street. It is a testament to Marseille’s rich history and challenging geography. This unassuming traverse holds stories of resistance, sporting glory, and even snowy escapades.
Once called Boulevard Gazzino, it took its name from the landowner who ceded the land for its creation in 1819. Imagine Marseille in the early 19th century. The city expanded and Traverse Gazzino began to take shape.
Later, the street was renamed Boulevard André Aune. This honored André Aune, a hero of the French Resistance. Aune organized the Secret Army. He founded the clandestine newspaper “Le Marseillais”. Sadly, the Gestapo executed him in 1944. A plaque commemorates his bravery.
It is interesting to note the shared destiny of André Aune and Antoine Diouf. Diouf was another young native of Traverse Gazzino. He too was a member of the resistance. French collaborators tortured and killed him in Sarrians.
Traverse Gazzino is known as one of Marseille’s steepest streets. It boasts an average gradient of 14% over 400 meters. The most remarkable is its slope. It reaches 15% making it a true test for cyclists and pedestrians alike.
In 1940, shortly after the armistice, Traverse Gazzino hosted a cycling race. The steep incline made for a challenging course. A 19-year-old amateur won the race.
In 2009, heavy snowfall transformed Traverse Gazzino into an impromptu ski slope. Youngsters built a makeshift ski jump using a garbage can. Locals seized the opportunity. They skied down from Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. Journalists and photographers documented the unusual event.
In 2017, the Tour de France chose Traverse Gazzino for a time trial stage. The steep climb tested the world’s best cyclists.
Even a power outage in 2013 left its mark. Temporary black cables snaked along building facades.
Traverse Gazzino is more than just a steep street. It connects Cours Pierre-Puget to Place Sancta Maria. It’s a reminder of Marseille’s past. Its name echoes with tales of resistance and resilience.