Faro Palace
58, blvd Charles Livon, Marseille, France
Description:
One of the attractions of Marseille is the palace of Faro. It is located in the western part of the city, right above the old port. The idea of building this palace on the sea belongs to Napoleon III. Having visited Marseille in 1852, he had a dream to have a home here, on a precipitous sea plateau.
The architect was Jean-Marc Vauchet, also the court architect Hector-Martin Lefuel was responsible for the construction. In 1858, on August 15, the birthday of Emperor Napoleon III, the foundation stone was laid. According to the project, this house was supposed to be a copy of the palace of Queen Eugenie in Biarritz, but in fact it surpassed it in size and beauty.
Due to the difficulties of construction in such a difficult place, where access was only possible from the sea, the construction of the stone palace of Faro continued until 1870. The dream of Napoleon III to live in this rich residence never came true, as at the time of completion of construction he was deposed from the throne, and two years later he died. Empress Eugenie gave the palace of Faro to the city of Marseille.
The huge 3-storey Faro building has housed the Medical Institute since 1904. Currently, the Faro Palace is a decoration of France, and is provided for the city services of Marseille.
