Quite an impact!
This colonnaded palace was originally built to celebrate the construction of the Canal de Marseille, which brought water to the city and helped alleviate its summertime draught problem. After continued outbreaks of cholera in the 19th century, the city built the canal linking Marseille to the Durance River. In addition to providing a fresh water source, it opened up new trading routes. The canal was Marseille’s principal source of water until 1970.
The centerpiece
The centerpiece is an elaborate fountain, the château d’eau, or water castle. Four large bulls and three women represent the Durance River, grapes/vines and wheat/fertility.
Bulls
In the back is a classical French garden and an English landscape garden.
Beautiful colonnades
The interior houses the Musée des Beaux-Arts and the natural history museum.
Looking up
Bd Philippon, Marseille, France
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