Traverse de la Fontaine

Tucked away in the vibrant tapestry of Marseille, Traverse de la Fontaine whispers tales of bygone eras. The Traverse de la Fontaine, a seemingly unassuming passage, holds a connection to the grand Place Castellane. Let’s journey back to the 18th century. King Louis XIV envisioned a grand axis, aligning the Porte d’Aix with the Porte de Rome. This royal decree set in motion a chain of events that would birth the Place Castellane, and by extension, touch the quiet Traverse de la Fontaine. The Marquis Henri-César de Castellane-Majastre, owner of the land destined to become Place Castellane, generously donated it to the city in 1774. The square took his name. He even financed its initial development, including a fountain and a washhouse in 1798. Traverse de la Fontaine, nestled near this evolving hub, bore witness to the transformation. Years later, in 1911, the square saw another dramatic change. The old obelisk commemorating Napoleon’s son was moved to Mazargues. In its place rose the magnificent Cantini Fountain, a symbol of the region’s rivers and the Mediterranean Sea. Though Traverse de la Fontaine may not boast the grandeur of the fountain, its proximity ties it to this narrative. The Traverse de la Fontaine, a quiet observer, offers a glimpse into the ripple effects of royal decrees and the generosity of a marquis, shaping the Marseille we know today.