Diamond House

The diamond house from yesterday to today

In addition to its name, the history of this house is a curiosity in itself. Located just behind the City Hall, the Diamond House owes its name to its facade made of stones cut into points.

The date of its construction is estimated to be between the late 16th and early 17th century (perhaps 1570, but doubts remain). This makes it one of the oldest houses in Marseille, along with the Cabre Hotel. It was built at the request of wealthy Italian and Spanish merchants. Architecturally beautiful, with its style drawn from the Italy of the Medicis, it long housed prominent Marseille families like the Saboulin Bollena and the Castellane.

Saved from ruin at the beginning of the last century and classified as a historic monument since 1925, it is the oldest communal building in the city. It also narrowly escaped destruction during the 1943 neighborhood bombings. From 1967 onwards, it housed the collections of the Museum of Old Marseille, which are now on display at the Museum of Marseille History.

Diamond house : A witness to history

It's a relic of Marseille's history. Indeed, it's one of the last and rare symbols of Marseille's past and the patrician residences of the time. If you pass by this monument of Marseille, don't forget to step inside to admire the magnificent classified staircase, with its surprisingly elaborate décor.

Not far from there, you can explore Marseille differently thanks to the Little Train of Marseille. The ticket office is located at the Old Port, on the sidewalk opposite the City Hall. Have you considered renting a bike to get around the city? Ecological and fun, it's a solution that will delight both young and old. For the more adventurous, why not opt for a Segway rental?