Lighthouse Palace

The Palais du Pharo, one of the most emblematic buildings in Marseille, stands majestically on a promontory overlooking the Vieux-Port and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city and the sea. This splendid palace, commissioned by Napoleon III for Empress Eugenia, is a masterpiece of Second Empire architecture and represents an important historical and cultural landmark of the city. The history of the Palais du Pharo begins in 1852, when Napoleon III decided to build an imperial residence in Marseille. The choice of the site on the Pharo promontory was not random: the elevated position offers a strategic view of the port and the Mediterranean Sea, symbolizing France’s power and influence in the Mediterranean basin. Construction began in 1858 under the direction of architect Eugène Nöel, but was only completed after the fall of the Second Empire in 1870. Despite this, the palace was never inhabited by the emperors, and in 1884 the building was donated to the city of Marseille. The architecture of the Palais du Pharo is a magnificent example of Second Empire style, characterized by a combination of classical and baroque elements. The main facade of the palace, with its elegant columns and ornate decorations, reflects the opulence and aesthetic taste of the era. The equally sumptuous interiors are adorned with stuccoes, frescoes, and antique furniture, showcasing the attention to detail and craftsmanship of the artisans who worked there. From a historical perspective, the Palais du Pharo has served various functions over the years. After being donated to the city of Marseille, the building was used to house the maritime hospital and later the Maritime Studies Institute. In 1904, the palace became the seat of the Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy of the University of Aix-Marseille, a role it maintained until 1958. This academic use helped solidify the importance of the Palais du Pharo as a center of knowledge and education in the city. An interesting anecdote concerns the garden of the Palais du Pharo, which is a place of great beauty and tranquility. This green space, spanning several hectares, is open to the public and offers a refuge from the city chaos, with exotic plants, fountains, and scenic paths. The garden was designed to reflect the grandeur of the palace, with views framing the port and the city below. It is an ideal place for relaxing walks and enjoying the spectacular sunset over the Mediterranean.