In 1908, Marseilles' town council launched a project for architects to design a monumental stairway outside the station, the contract being awarded to architects Serres and Arnal. The construction of the staircase which dominates the city with its 104 steps was undertaken between 1925 and 1927, and the inauguration took place a year later in 1928 (the station itself was opened in 1848) with the arrival of then President of the Republic - Gaston Doumergue.Adorned with statues which depict the glories of France's African and Asian colonies, evoking Marseilles' commercial past, the stairway is of both historical and architectural importance and has become part of the city's heritage. Indeed, scenes from Jacques Deray's film Borsalino (1970) were filmed on its steps.
- Type:
Attractions & Landmarks
Write a Review
Sign in