In 1842, a seed of compassion was planted in Marseille. The city’s existing hospitals, the Hôtel-Dieu, the hospice de la Charité, and the asylum Saint-Pierre (later La Timone Hospital), struggled to meet the growing needs of the population. The Hospices Commission envisioned a new haven of healing. This vision materialized as HÔpital de la Conception. The initial plans, approved in 1846, were delayed by the 1848 revolution. Yet, the dream persisted. In 1851, a modified, smaller hospital was proposed. Finally, in 1857, HÔpital de la Conception, originally named Conception Immaculée, opened its doors. Fast forward to the 20th century. By 1910, the hospital showed its age. Calls for reconstruction echoed through the corridors. Decades passed before these calls were answered. Between 1982 and 1985, a new HÔpital de la Conception rose from the foundations of the old. To maintain uninterrupted service during this transformation, the old buildings were demolished in stages as new ones were completed. Only a few remnants of the past remained: Professor Jean Olmer’s department, the Cornil pavilion, and the obstetrics clinic. Today, HÔpital de la Conception stands as a modern medical marvel within the vibrant tapestry of Marseille. A testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and the city’s commitment to the well-being of its people. This major hospital, with its Level III maternity and international reputation in neonatal medicine, continues to serve the community. It houses the regional center for severe burns, plastic and hand surgery, and a hepato-gastroenterology department specializing in liver transplants and kidney transplant follow-up. A sad but significant note in the hospital’s history is the death of the poet Arthur Rimbaud, who passed away at HÔpital de la Conception after being brought back from Africa ill.
Rue Callelongue
A hidden paradise at the end of the world. That’s Callelongue. Callelongue isn’t just a street it’s a journey. A