Envision a sun-drenched Provençal bastide. That is Villa Magalone. This magnificent villa in Marseille whispers tales of centuries past. Built around 1690 its plans possibly drawn by the renowned Pierre Puget. Imagine the skill of the artisans. The villa’s elegance reflects the prosperity of 17th and 18th-century Marseille. Wealthy merchants built such bastides. They sought both refined living and secure havens for their fortunes.
Villa Magalone’s story unfolds. In 1713 the Magalon brothers acquired the estate. These wealthy merchants and ship owners thrived in the coastal trade. Their success is etched into the very stones of Villa Magalone. The family however parted ways with the unfinished villa in 1721. A devastating plague swept Marseille. It left a mark on the property’s history.
The ownership changed hands. The Sabran family possibly owned it. That is not fully certain. Antoine Guillaume de Paul became owner in 1781. Then the French Revolution intervened. Villa Magalone fell under national control. Etienne Buret purchased it around 1850. He was the grandfather of Madame de Ferry.
By 1890 the estate spanned 12.5 hectares. It stretched from today’s avenue de l’Aviateur le Brix to the chemin de Mazargues. The construction of boulevard Michelet significantly altered the landscape. A 45-meter-wide strip of land was lost. The property became divided.
Madame de Ferry inherited Villa Magalone in 1901. She passed it to her daughters in 1924. A pivotal moment arrived in 1947. The State acquired part of the estate. Le Corbusier’s Cité Radieuse was built nearby. In 1948 Villa Magalone received historical monument status. The years that followed saw further changes. New developments like Parc Sévigné altered the surroundings.
Finally in 1980 Villa Magalone along with its gardens and chapel became city property. It was opened to the public. Today Villa Magalone houses a music school. Concerts of classical and contemporary music fill its grand 150-square-meter salon. Two elegant staircases grace the interior. Their wrought-iron railings date back to the 18th century. They are a testament to the villa’s enduring beauty. A visit to Villa Magalone is a journey through time. It offers a glimpse into Marseille’s rich history and architectural heritage. This grand villa’s story continues to unfold. It serves as a reminder of the city’s dynamic past.