Journey back to a time when grand entrances mattered. Right here, before the Escalier de la gare Saint-Charles. This monumental staircase is more than just steps. It is a statement.
The Escalier de la gare Saint-Charles links the train station to the heart of Marseille. Imagine arriving in 1848. The station was new but access to the city was awkward. Buildings blocked the direct route to the boulevard d’Athènes. Travelers had to take a detour.
Adolphe Meyer saw the need for a grand staircase as early as 1859. He envisioned a magnificent way to ascend to the station. But it took decades for his vision to materialize.
In 1911, the city launched a competition. The goal was to create a monumental staircase. It should form a fitting end to the boulevard d’Athènes. Eugène Sénès and Léon Arnal won the competition.
Technical and financial issues caused delays. World War I further stalled the project. Work finally resumed in 1919. The aim was to complete the staircase for the 1922 Colonial Exhibition.
The buildings blocking the way were demolished in 1922. The first stone of the Escalier de la gare Saint-Charles was laid in 1923. The staircase partially opened in 1925. But the sculptures were not yet finished.
Finally, in 1927, the grand inauguration took place. President Gaston Doumergue himself attended. The Escalier de la gare Saint-Charles was complete.
Look closely at the sculptures. They tell stories of Marseille and its connections. Ary Bitter created the lion and child groups at the base. They represent “The Sun and the Sea” and “The World and Energy.”
Notice the pylons on the intermediate landing. Auguste Carli sculpted the female allegories. One represents the Gate of the Orient. The other represents Marseille as a Greek colony. Henri Martin sculpted the coats of arms of various cities on the pylons.
As you ascend, observe the bronze groups on the railings. Henri Raybaud sculpted these. They depict the products of Provence. Look for scenes of harvesting fishing and hunting.
At the top, Louis Botinelly’s sculptures face each other. They represent the colonies of Africa and Asia. These sculptures reflect the colonial era.
The Escalier de la gare Saint-Charles has 104 steps. It rises 15.5 meters. Seven landings break up the ascent. The staircase is now a protected historical monument. It gained this status in December 2022.
From the top of the Escalier de la gare Saint-Charles you can see a beautiful view of Marseille. Especially Notre Dame de la Garde is a sight.
So take a moment to appreciate this grand entrance. The Escalier de la gare Saint-Charles is a symbol of Marseille’s history. It is a testament to its ambition and artistic spirit.