Unforgettable Marseille, 2 days itinerary
Day 1
9:00 - La Vieille Charité
Located in the heart of Marseille’s Panier quarter, la Vieille Charite is a former almshouse (charitable housing complex), which now houses a museum and cultural center. The idea to build an almshouse for the poor dedicated to Our Lady, Mother of Charity (Notre Dame, mere de Charite), was first conceived in 1622, but it wasn’t until 1749 that the construction was completed, built on plans by the architect Pierre Puget. It should be noted that the neoclassical central chapel was built in 1679. The almshouse first served as a workhouse for beggars and as an asylum for vagrants during the 19thcentury. Homeless families occupied the building after the Old Port was destroyed during WWII, and la Vieille Charite was shut down in 1962 due to unsafe conditions. Six years later, the government raised the funds to restore the building to its former glory, completing its work in 1981.
The beautiful structure, built in golden-pink limestone, is built in the shape of a rectangle. For the best view of the complex, climb (or take the elevator) to the second floor gallery, to truly appreciate the three-storey complex.
La Vieille Charite boasts a beautiful inner courtyard, with a domed round church at its heart. The first floor houses the Museum of Mediterranean Archaeology, while the second floor is home to the Museum of Art of Africa, Oceania and Amerindia. Browse the ancient Greek, Roman and Egyptian relics (the largest range in France outside the Louvre) and take in the interesting collection of ethnographic art. The building is also home to a cultural and poetry center, an art book shop, library, cinema, café and research units.
