Across the avenue de la Capelette the Viaduc de La Capelette stands tall. It’s more than just a bridge. It’s a silent witness to history. This impressive structure carries the weight of Marseille’s past. It has seen the city evolve. It’s seen the avenue below transform from the old Grand chemin de Toulon to a bustling thoroughfare.
The Viaduc de La Capelette is a crucial artery. It connects different parts of this vibrant city. Think of all the people who have crossed it. Workers heading to factories. Families going about their daily lives. Even Buffalo Bill and his Wild West show once graced the nearby Propriete Magy. Can you imagine their wagons rumbling across this very viaduct?
The avenue itself was once part of the Route nationale 8. This road linked Aix-en-Provence to Toulon. It passed right through this very neighborhood. The name Capelette comes from a small chapel. This chapel stood at the corner of the avenue and boulevard Bonnefoy. Sadly the original chapel is no more. It was destroyed after archaeological excavations in 2017. However its memory lives on in the name of this entire area. A new Saint-Laurent church was built nearby. A much larger structure. This church boasts a beautiful grand organ. Built around 1870. It was restored in 2012.
The Viaduc de La Capelette isn’t just a symbol of transport. It’s also a marker of Marseille’s industrial past. The area once housed many factories. Filatures de soie E Garnier and Cie. Raffineries de Soufre Meridionales. Even the Camoin card factory. Their names echo in the street names. Boulevard des Acieries. Rue des Forges. Remnants of a bygone era. Now replaced by modern businesses and services. Only the Centre de transfert des residues urbains still uses the nearby railway line.
Today the Viaduc de La Capelette serves as a vital link. It connects the modern city. It also stands as a testament to the past. A tangible connection between Marseille’s industrial heart and its vibrant present. The Palais omnisports Marseille Grand Est nearby. A shining example of urban renewal. A place of leisure and community. It stands in testament to the evolving landscape of La Capelette. This area continues to adapt and thrive. This viaduct remains a constant. A silent observer of this amazing transformation.