Place Castellane
Place Castellane is one of Marseille's symbols. Gateway to the southern districts, strategic crossroads, and a neighborhood with a village-like atmosphere, the fountain proves to be a work of art and a true strategic point of the Phocaean city.
History of place castellane
Located in the 6th arrondissement of Marseille, Place Castellane forms the roundabout of the same name, which is geographically situated between the neighborhoods of Vieux Port and Prado. It is one of the nerve centers of the Phocaean City.
Construction of place castellane
The history of Place Castellane dates back to the 18th century, during the time of Louis XIV. The Sun King wished to align the Porte d'Aix with the Porte de Rome in the city's old ramparts. To meet the King's demand, the Rue de Rome, which ended at the current Prefecture, was extended to the current location of Place Castellane. This land belonged to Marquis Henri-César de Castellane-Majastre, who donated it to the city in 1774 to enable the construction works. In his generosity, he offered to finance the development of the square to the municipality. Thus, in 1798, a first fountain and a washhouse stood in the middle of the square. Then, in 1811, on the occasion of the birth of the Emperor Napoleon I's son, an obelisk was placed there. In 1882, electric lighting was experimentally tested on the square before being extended to the Canebière in 1888. The obelisk remained on the square until 1911 when it was transferred to the Mazargues district.
The Cantini fountain on Place Castellane
Place Castellane, besides its importance in Marseille's life, is mainly known today for the fountain placed in its center: it is called the Cantini fountain. It was indeed commissioned by Jules Cantini, a famous Marseille marble worker, and was executed by the Toulon artist André Allar between 1911 and 1913. It represents the three rivers of Provence, namely: the Durance, the Verdon, and the Rhône as well as the Mediterranean Sea. The statue of Marseille, facing the sea, dominates the structure, and on its pedestal, the stages of the Rhône from its source to the sea are depicted. Each sculpture is inspired by a work by a known artist. Thus, André Allar pays tribute in his work to the Trevi Fountain, Lorenzo Bernini, François Rude, or Raoul Larche. He thus nods to these artists whose works he admired so much. In gratitude to the sculptor, the city of Marseille appointed him Correspondent of the City Academy. With its 25 meters in Carrara marble, this architectural jewel is visible from afar and gives Place Castellane its prestige. It is one of the most beautiful fountains in Marseille and testifies to the history of Marseille. The fountain also has the particularity of being aligned with the Porte d'Aix, which is located at the northern entrance of the city.
THE MODERN-DAY PLACE CASTELLANE
How to get to Place Castellane ?
The two lines of the Marseille metro intersect at Castellane Station, and it is also the terminus of Tram Line 3, making it very easy to get there and explore Marseille. You can also observe this Marseille landmark by walking up Rue de Rome from the Old Port.
Around Place Castellane
Many shops are nearby. In the morning, the Prado market brings together more than 80 exhibitors offering fruits and vegetables, flowers, local products… And many bars and restaurants as well as two cinemas offer you a chance to relax and escape the noise of fairly dense traffic. A quick visit to Place Castellane for a drink or a visit is the best way to immerse yourself in the lively life of this iconic district of Marseille.
