“Rue Dauphine once paraded under different names.” That’s quite a claim isn’t it? Rue du Dauphine. A street steeped in history located in Marseille. Let’s take a walk through its past.
Originally, this street was named Rue Dauphine. Later, it was briefly known as Rue de Thionvillois. It also went by Rue Fontaine-des-Cavaliers. These changes reflect the shifting tides of French history. Rue Dauphine stretches from Place des Capucines to Cours Belsunce. It is a vital artery in Marseille’s urban landscape.
Now, about Dominique Sarmet. During the French Revolution, he was a mayor of Marseille. He lived on Rue Dauphine. The exact building number remains a mystery. This adds to the intrigue of the street.
Let’s pause at number 1 Rue Dauphine. Here stands the former Hotel Pesciolini. It was built in 1673. This building boasts two caryatids. These are the oldest in Marseille. They silently observe the passage of time.
Have you heard the tale of number 11 Rue Dauphine? In the Middle Ages, a fortune teller resided here. People considered her a sorceress. She was burned in a public square. Legend claims she was buried in the cellar. Her spirit, they say, still lingers.
Finally, consider number 51 Rue Dauphine. This was the site of the Hotel Saint-Jacques de Sylvabelle. Guillaume de Saint-Jacques de Silvabelle died here. He directed the Marseille Observatory. Sadly, the building was destroyed during a bombing.
Rue Dauphine has seen revolution. It has seen the rise and fall of fortunes. It has witnessed whispers of the supernatural. As you walk along Rue Dauphine, remember its layered past. Each stone has a story. Each building has a secret. The street is not just a place. It is a journey through time.