The Palais du Pharo, with its imperial architecture and stunning view of the Mediterranean, is much more than a simple building. This iconic place in Marseille is a living testament to history, a site where the stories of an imperial past blend with significant medical advances. Follow me to discover this historical gem in all its facets!
An imperial residence with timeless charm
Built for Napoleon III, the Palais du Pharo stands proudly facing the sea. Its name comes from the hill “farot”, which served as a lookout for sailors in the 14th century. The city of Marseille offered this land to the emperor in the hopes of making it a luxurious waterside residence. Hector Lefuel, the famous architect known for restoring the Louvre and the New Tuileries, was tasked with designing the building, drawing inspiration from architectural styles of the past.
But ironically, Napoleon III never moved into the Pharo. Upon his death in 1873, Empress Eugénie ceded the palace to the city, thus paving the way for more public and medical use.
Medical history: from the colonial school to the tropical medicine center
From 1904, the Pharo transformed into a military training school to train doctors and technicians for colonial troops. This tropical medicine center, unique in its kind, trained generations of professionals destined to provide care in tropical conditions. Until 2013, more than 8000 doctors were trained here, making the Pharo a respected place of study in the field of tropical medicine.
Among the prominent figures are names inscribed in the toponymy of the city: Louis Pasteur Avenue, Émile Duclaux Park, and many others. Each street around the palace pays tribute to those who left their mark in the medical field. Émile Duclaux, who succeeded Pasteur at the head of the Pasteur Institute, embodies this strong link between science and the Pharo.
Pioneers of tropical medicine
Dr. Paul-Louis Simond, recognized for identifying the role of the rat flea in plague transmission, is one of the professors who made history at the school. Eugène Jamot, a military doctor, specialized here before effectively fighting against sleeping sickness in Africa.
This medical heritage is also manifested through buildings still visible today, such as the façade of the former Pasteur Institute, which reminds us that Marseille housed the first rabies institute in the province.
The Palais du Pharo today
Today, the Palais du Pharo is much more than a historical monument. In 2015, Aix-Marseille Université (AMU) invested part of its buildings to establish several central departments. With its 7000 m² of conference space, the palace hosts large-scale events, attracting researchers, experts, and visitors from around the world.
The Émile Duclaux Park, which surrounds the palace, is a popular spot for the people of Marseille. Since 2013, it features the impressive work “Désordre” by Bernar Venet, an installation of 84 monumental arches that contrasts with the historical landscape of the site, adding a touch of contemporary art to this iconic place.
Practical information for visiting the Palais du Pharo
- Address: 58 Boulevard Charles Livon, 13007 Marseille
- Rates: Free entry
- Opening hours:
- Monday to Sunday: Open every day
The Palais du Pharo invites you to immerse yourself in the fascinating history of Marseille, between imperial heritage, medical breakthroughs, and modern art. So, ready to discover this must-see place?
