Beneath this imposing arch, what stories whisper from the stones of the Monument aux morts de l’Armée d’Orient? This is not just a monument. It is a gateway to understanding Marseille’s soul.
The Monument aux morts de l’Armée d’Orient stands proudly on the Corniche Kennedy. It faces the Friuli islands. This memorial honors the soldiers of the Army of the East and distant lands. Locals hold it dear. It evokes deep emotion.
Gaston Castel envisioned this monument. He was the Bouches-du-Rhône’s chief architect. Castel also reconstructed the municipal opera house and Baumettes prison. His design for this memorial won a national competition in 1924. The aim was to pay tribute to soldiers and sailors who died in the East.
President Gaston Doumergue inaugurated the Monument aux morts de l’Armée d’Orient on April 24, 1927. Castel’s concept was a “portico in the open sky”. Statues and ornaments depict army fighters. Massive female figures with wings symbolize heroism. Antoine Sartorio created these impressive sculptures. He also worked on the opera house and prison.
Gaston Castel expressed in 1934 that Marseille lacked a war memorial. This motivated him to design a monument of grandeur. His project featured a powerful base. It symbolized determination and the moral role of sacrifice. The location on the Corniche ensures the monument is visible from afar.
The Monument aux morts de l’Armée d’Orient features a massive arch. At its center is a crescent and star. The intrados is decorated with palms. Statues stand on either side. They represent the army. Massive wings symbolize aerial combat heroes. A bronze Effigy or Victory stands on a base. Her arms reach towards the sky. The names and dates of major World War I campaigns are inscribed on the arch. Stairs descend toward the sea. The monument is made of granite rock.
The Army of the Orient played a crucial role in World War I. The main front was in eastern France. However, secondary fronts existed. One such front was in the Balkans. The campaign began in 1915 with the Dardanelles. French and British forces clashed with the Ottomans. The Allied troops retreated to Greece.
The expeditionary force became the Army of the Orient and Salonika. They were entrenched in a military camp. German, Austro-Hungarian, and Bulgarian armies constantly threatened them. The major offensive did not occur until September 1918. The French army launched an assault. They defeated the German-Bulgarian units. The victory at Uskub led to the Bulgarian armistice on September 29, 1918.
Take a moment to appreciate the view. The nearby Vallon des Auffes is another gem of Marseille. A small staircase across from the monument provides access. It feels like entering a different world. The Monument aux morts de l’Armée d’Orient is more than stone and bronze. It is a reminder of sacrifice. It is a testament to Marseille’s history.