From the 15th century onwards wealthy Marseillais built Bastides. These were luxurious country residences. They were more than just homes. They were agricultural estates too. The Bastide des Quatre Portails is a perfect example.
Imagine the bustling city of Marseille. Now picture a tranquil escape. This is what the Bastide des Quatre Portails offered. It was a haven for the city’s elite. They sought refuge from the city’s heat. They enjoyed family time and entertaining friends.
The Bastide des Quatre Portails was not unique. Many similar estates dotted the Marseille landscape. Stendhal himself noted thousands of these whitewashed bastides. He described them as dotted across the countryside. They became integral to Marseille’s culture and heritage.
The Bastides were agricultural centers. They produced olives wine and wheat. They also had vegetable gardens. The owners often lived in the city. They appointed farmers to manage their land. The farmers lived on the estate year-round.
The size varied enormously. Some estates spanned over 50 hectares. Others were much smaller. The arrival of the Marseille canal in 1840 changed things. It brought clean water. This allowed for the cultivation of fruit trees. The landscape transformed into something more picturesque.
Over time the Bastide des Quatre Portails and other bastides evolved. They became less about agriculture. They became more about leisure. Their proximity to the city made them ideal for weekend getaways. Families spent longer periods there. They became secondary residences.
The Bastide des Quatre Portails was a place for socializing. Families hosted friends. They played games like boules and croquet. Wealthier owners held lavish parties. These might include gambling. This was forbidden in the city at the time. They put on theatrical performances and concerts. Some even held village festivals.
By the 19th century water reached Marseille. The Bastide des Quatre Portails was further enhanced. Ornamental ponds and lush gardens were added. They increased the attractiveness of these country escapes.
The Bastides became principal residences for some. The city expanded. Transport improved. It became easier to commute. Bastides became increasingly opulent. Marble interiors and grand gardens were common. They reflected the prestige of their owners.
Sadly many Bastides including some near the Bastide des Quatre Portails disappeared. Marseille expanded. Urban development swallowed up the estates. Only remnants remain today. A gateway a tree a stone wall might mark their former existence. The Bastide des Quatre Portails however survives as a testament to this fascinating chapter in Marseille’s history. It stands as a reminder of a time when city life and countryside retreat blended seamlessly.