Caroline Hospital
Built on the Frioul archipelago, Caroline Hospital was a medical facility designed to prevent the spread of epidemics brought on board ships. Today, this architectural gem is open for visits and is definitely worth seeing!
BIRTH OF CAROLINE HOSPITAL
Caroline Hospital was built on the island of Ratonneau, within the Frioul archipelago, known since the 16th century as the heart of Marseille's health protection. Indeed, it was the quarantine zone for sailors disembarking from distant lands. However, around 1820, all Mediterranean ports were affected by a yellow fever epidemic. Faced with the risks of paralysis of maritime trade, a vital economic lifeline for Marseille, the state ordered the construction of a dike connecting the islands of Pomègues and Ratonneau to build a new quarantine basin: Port Dieudonné. In 1822, a project for a health establishment was commissioned.
Inaugurated in 1828, the hospital was named Caroline in homage to Caroline of Bourbon Sicily, the wife of the Duke of Berry.
Architecture of Caroline Hospital
The architect chosen to lead the project was Michel Robert Penchaud, the architect of the city of Marseille and the department, responsible for many public buildings and monuments. His work can be considered a masterpiece as he managed to synthesize over a thousand years of architectural history. Caroline Hospital consists of twelve buildings covering 3,500 square meters, capable of accommodating 48 patients and 24 convalescents. Each building has its specific function, and patients and convalescents are housed in separate, well-isolated areas. At the center, the captain's office allows observation and access to any part of the complex. Finally, the Greek-style chapel is central and visible to all.
The architecture is a perfect example of neoclassical style, while primarily retaining functional ambitions. Each building was constructed with the strictest economy and was above all perfectly suited to the purpose for which it was intended. It was called the "wind hospital" because it met the requirements of the medicine of the time, which relied on intermittent ventilation to remove stale air.
CAROLINE HOSPITAL THROUGHOUT HISTORY
In 1850, advancements in modern navigation and science somewhat rendered this new lazaretto obsolete for quarantine purposes. The complex was then transformed, in 1850, to be included in an "island lazaretto" with the ports of Frioul and Pomègues. The whole formed the complex of the "island lazaretto", considered the largest and most efficient in the entire Mediterranean. The hospital remained in service until 1941, before serving as a munitions depot for the Germans who occupied the city.
Unfortunately, the site was largely destroyed during the Allied bombings in August 1944. Caroline Hospital was then abandoned until 1978, when the islands were acquired by the city of Marseille. A true vestige of Marseille's history, it has been listed as a Historic Monument since 1980.
Visiting Caroline Hospital
A restoration project was launched in 2007. Today, the renovated parts of this Marseille monument host exhibits, concerts, and other events. If you plan to visit Marseille, you must absolutely go to the Frioul Islands to discover the magnificent view of Marseille from the sea and Caroline Hospital.
The Little Train of Marseille also offers a tour to discover the Frioul Islands; don't hesitate to go to the ticket office on the Old Port for more information. And if you're with family or friends, why not opt for a Segway tour or, more traditionally, bike rental!