Chemin des Mines

Hidden beneath the grand Escalier de la Gare Saint-Charles lies a secret stairway. It’s called the Escalier du Puits. This unassuming staircase whispers tales of Marseille’s past. The Escalier du Puits isn’t just a way to climb the hill. It’s a journey through time. Before the Escalier du Puits existed, the area was a jumble of buildings. These buildings belonged to the Petit Séminaire. They blocked direct access from the Gare Saint-Charles to Boulevard d’Athènes. Travelers had to take a long detour. Imagine their frustration. Finally, in 1925, the city unveiled the Escalier du Puits. The monumental staircase at the Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles provides direct access to Boulevard d’Athènes. It was inaugurated on a grand occasion. President Gaston Doumergue himself presided over the ceremony. The story of the Escalier du Puits began much earlier. As early as 1859, architect Adolphe Meyer envisioned a grand staircase connecting the station to the boulevard. His dream finally took shape in 1911. The city launched a design competition. Architect Eugène Sénès, assisted by Léon Arnal, won. World War I delayed the project. Construction finally resumed in 1919. The Petit Séminaire buildings were demolished. This made way for the magnificent Escalier du Puits. The removal of the monument dedicated to the Immaculate Conception also played a role in this transformation. This monument originally stood at the foot of the hill, at the end of Boulevard d’Athènes. It was moved to its current location to make space for the staircase. The Escalier du Puits isn’t just steps and landings. It’s adorned with sculptures by renowned artists. Ary Bitter’s lions guard the base. Auguste Carli’s allegorical figures grace the intermediate landing. Henri Raybaud’s bronze groups depict the bounty of Provence. Louis Botinelly’s stone figures represent the colonies of Africa and Asia. The Escalier du Puits, with its 104 steps and seven landings, stands as a testament to Marseille’s history. It’s a hidden gem waiting to be discovered, nestled in the shadow of its more famous neighbor. As you ascend or descend, remember the story of the Escalier du Puits. It’s a story of ambition, perseverance, and artistic vision.