Ruins whisper stories. This is the Bastide Legrè-Mante. We stand before what remains a testament to a rich history. A forgotten bastide once stood proud. It was the home of the Chevalier Roze a significant figure in Marseille’s past. The Bastide Legrè-Mante dates back to the 17th century. Its architecture featured Louis XIII style gables and a distinctive limestone doorway. This is a style reminiscent of the work of Pierre Puget. Puget a contemporary of the Chevalier Roze had a house nearby.
The Bastide Legrè-Mante wasn’t just a grand residence. It held significance beyond its architectural beauty. In 1776 Pierre Rostan d’Ancezune acquired the property. It remained in the family until 1873. Even today a family crypt rests in a cave beneath Mont-Rose. A tangible connection to this remarkable past. The Bastide Legrè-Mante’s story intertwined with the area’s industrial evolution. In 1875 an metallurgical factory operated on the site. Later in 1885 the Legrè family took over to manufacture tartaric acid. Imagine the bustling activity the sounds of industry the lives of generations of workers. The Bastide Legrè-Mante was part of that world.
The Bastide Legrè-Mante’s fate wasn’t predetermined to its current state. In 1938 Robert Potet described the building in his book on Nicolas Roze. He mentioned frequent visits by Monseigneur de Belsunce a neighbor and friend of Roze. Potet described a facade with twelve windows and small square towers. The bastide linked to the sea via a private port Port Roze. This pathway still exists partially hidden beneath a porch.
Sadly the Bastide Legrè-Mante faced demolition threats. Developers planned extensive projects. These projects raised concerns about contamination traffic and sanitation. Local groups fought to save this piece of Marseille’s heritage. Their efforts continue to ensure the Bastide Legrè-Mante is remembered. It’s a story of resilience of the fight to preserve the past within the present. Even in its ruin the Bastide Legrè-Mante remains a powerful reminder of Marseille’s layered past. A place where history echoes industry and community all unite.