The Pyramid of the King of Spain, standing six meters tall, was built in 1809 by Dominique Bastide, a wealthy Marseille merchant. This monument initially serves as a family mausoleum, housing the remains of his son Camille Georges, who died at the age of two, as well as those of his wife. The bodies are later transferred to the Saint-Pierre cemetery, leaving the pyramid empty.
Remnant of the Castle of the King of Spain
The pyramid is the last remnant of the Castle of the King of Spain, a sumptuous residence that hosted King Charles IV of Spain during his exile between 1808 and 1812. This castle was dynamited in 1944, leaving only the pyramid and a few elements of the surrounding wall.
An Unknown Monument to Preserve
Despite its abandoned state, the pyramid arouses interest among locals and visitors. Citizen initiatives are emerging to raise public awareness of its history and the necessity for its preservation.
An Unusual Walk in the Neighborhood of the King of Spain
To discover this pyramid, one only needs to go to the neighborhood of King of Spain, located in the 8th arrondissement of Marseille. A stroll through this pine forest offers an immersion into the little-known history of the city and a unique opportunity to admire this unusual monument.
The Pyramid of the King of Spain is a fascinating testament to the past of Marseille. Its discovery offers a unique perspective on the history of the city and on the hidden treasures it holds.
