Here stands Halle Puget. It is a building with a rich and varied history. It has transformed over the centuries.
Let’s step back to 1672. Master mason Pierre Puget not the sculptor built this hall. He built it to replace the old fish market. The original market at Place Vivaux became too small. The city expanded and needed a larger space. Halle Puget became the new center for fish and meat sales.
Imagine the bustling scene. Vendors hawking their fresh catches. Butchers displaying their cuts of meat. The air filled with the sounds and smells of a busy market.
Over time, Halle Puget’s role changed. In 1887, it transformed into a chapel. Then in 1925, it became a police station. The building was walled up during this time. Its columns were hidden.
Picture the hall as a police station. Officers going about their duties. The space once filled with merchants now housed law enforcement. This continued until 1980.
In 1987, Halle Puget was restored. The restoration aimed to return it to its original appearance. The walls were removed. The columns were revealed once more.
Look closely at the architecture. It resembles an ancient temple. The tile roof rests on ionic columns. There are five columns in width and seven in length.
Consider this. Archivist Joseph Billioud conducted extensive research in 1935. He concluded that many buildings attributed to Pierre Puget were not his work. Billioud stated that the chapel of the hospice de la Charité is the true example of Puget’s architectural genius.
Archaeological digs near Halle Puget have unearthed interesting finds. Excavations in 1989 and 1990 revealed an ancient necropolis. A section of the medieval rampart was also found. The archaeologists discovered a number of graves. Many contained the remains of children. One child even had a necklace of trinkets.
The city expanded in 1666. This led to the demolition of the medieval rampart. A new residential area was developed. The lower part of the rampart was kept. It provided a stable base for new buildings.
Recently, Halle Puget has seen further changes. For years, the association Les Têtes de l’Art organized artistic activities here. They aimed to transform the space. They added benches, seats, and plants. The goal was to engage the community.
Unfortunately, these installations deteriorated over time. Halle Puget became a shelter for refugees. They were waiting for better days.
In late 2021, there was good news. The city planned to turn Halle Puget back into a market. It would feature local fruit and vegetable producers. A cleanup and renovation took place. In February 2022, the fresh produce market opened three times a week.
Halle Puget stands as a testament to Marseille’s history. It has served as a market, a chapel, and a police station. Now, it is a market once again. It connects the past with the present. It provides a space for community and commerce. Its columns and tiles tell stories of centuries passed.