A grand staircase. It’s not just any staircase. It’s the monumental staircase of Avenue de la Gare in Marseille. It connects the city to its heart the Gare Saint Charles.
This avenue isn’t just a road. It’s a historical link. It leads to the Gare Saint Charles. This station wasn’t always the grand structure we see today. It began in 1847. The Nerthe tunnel opened. Marseille finally joined the French rail network. The city boomed. Gustave Desplaces designed the original station. It opened in 1848. Bishop de Mazenod inaugurated it.
But a problem arose. The station sat isolated. Buildings blocked access to the city center. It wasn’t until 1903 that the state purchased these buildings. The need for a connecting staircase became urgent. A competition was held. Eugène Sénès won the design. His vision included sculptures by prominent artists. Louis-François Carli Auguste Carli Ary Bitter and Henri Reybaud contributed. The work faced delays due to World War I. The grand staircase finally opened in 1927. President Gaston Doumergue himself attended the inauguration.
The staircase is more than steps. It’s a work of art. As you ascend you encounter sculptures. Louis Botinelly’s columns represent Asia and Africa. These reflect Marseille’s role in colonial trade. Henri Raybaud’s bronzes depict Provençal life. They show harvests fruits flowers and hunting scenes. Auguste Carli and Henri Martin created allegorical pillars. These represent the East and Greece. Ary Bitter’s lions and children symbolize strength and energy.
The sculptures are rich in detail. They narrate Marseille’s history. They reflect its connections to the world. They are a testament to the city’s vibrant past. The monumental staircase is a lasting tribute to Marseille’s rich history and cultural heritage. It’s a stunning example of art and architecture. It’s the grand entrance to the city via the Avenue de la Gare. It remains a symbol of Marseille. It stands as a captivating reminder of the city’s journey from a bustling port to a modern metropolis.