About La Vieille Charité
History of La Vieille Charité
The La Vieille Charité history dates back to the year 1640 when the City Council of Marseille decided to gather the natives of the city in a place that was clean, according to the royal policy of the great confinement of the poor. However, it was in 1654 when the construction of a set of buildings began, since the charity also had over 300 poor people at the time.
In 1670, an association within the Council of Aldermen gave the architect Pierre Puget the construction project of a general hospital, where the poor would be welcome. A year later, in 1671, the first stone of Vieille Charité was laid, and the La Vieille Charité was completed in 1749. This structure went on to become one of the most beautiful buildings of its time.
The chapel for the building was built between 1679 and 1707 with an elliptical dome in the pure Italian Baroque style of architecture, while the facade was made in 1863 and symbolised the theme of Charity. The building also served as a hospice for the children and old people from the end of the French Revolution to the end of the 19th century, and was then occupied by the army in 1905.
According to the La Vieille Charité history, the building was abandoned after World War II. It was then classified as a Historical Monument in 1951, with the restoration work beginning in 1961, and lasting for almost two and a half decades. Since 1986, the building has been a multidisciplinary centre with a scientific and cultural vocation for the City of Marseille.
Architecture of La Vieille Charité
The La Vieille Charité Architecture is one of the main reasons why this monument is so famous in Marseille. The structure is one of the best works of architecture from the 17th century, and comprises four wings of buildings, which are closed from the outside, and open onto a rectangular-shaped courtyard, whilst also surrounding a church on the premises.
All of the buildings of Vieille Charité are made of three floors, with superimposed galleries and arcades in the centre, that open onto the inner courtyard which houses the chapel. The chapel has an elliptical or egg-shaped dome and is built in the baroque style. The La Vieille Charité Architecture also boasts of Corinthian columns designed in the Second Empire architecture and dating back to the 1860s.
Plan Your Visit to La Vieille Charité
Location: Vieille Charité is located at 2 Rue de la Charité, 13002 Marseille, France.
Timings: Vieille Charité remains open between 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. from Tuesdays to Sundays and remains closed on Mondays, January 1st, May 1st, November 1st and 11th as well as on December 25th and 26th.
By Metro :When coming to Vieille Charité by metro, you can take metro line 2, also known as the red line, towards Bougainville, to the Joliette exit here. From there, you need to take a short walk of 10 minutes to get to the museum.
By Walking :When walking to Vieille Charité, you will have to take the route of Sortie - Center Ville - La Canebière - Le Vieux Port. From there, you can take the Square Narvik exit and go down the staircase in front of the station. From there, the museum is located within a 15 minutes walking distance.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit La Vieille Charité?
The best time to visit La Vieille Charité is during the morning hours, when the centre opens its doors for the day, at around 10:00 a.m. This is when there is a low rush of crowds, which gives you a chance to explore the place at your own pace and leisure.
Why is La Vieille Charité Famous?
La Vieille Charité is famous for being one of the most prestigious galleries in the city of Marseille and is also an emblematic site in the city. It is also famous for being a masterpiece of 17th-century baroque architecture and is home to the Vieille Charité museum, which is a great place to learn about the culture and heritage of Marseille.
What are the timings for La Vieille Charité?
The timings for La Vieille Charité are from 10:00 a.m. to 06:00 p.m. from Tuesdays to Sundays.
Do you need to book in advance to visit the Center de la Vieille Charité?
Yes, it is best to book your tickets to the Centre de La Vieille Charité in advance, since it is quite a popular attraction in Marseille, with long waiting hours upon entry. With pre-booked tickets, you can enjoy a quick and hassle-free entry here.
What's the best way to see the Center de la Vieille Charité?
The best way to see the Center de La Vieille Charité is by indulging in a guided tour of the attraction.
How old is La Vieille Charité?
The foundation of La Vieille Charité dates back to the 17th century since the first stone of the monument was laid in the year 1671. The building, however, was completed in 1749.