3 Rue de la Prison

An Ancient Gem in the Heart of Marseille

Just steps away from City Hall, in the historic Panier district, the Maison Diamantée rises discreetly yet proudly at 3 Rue de la Prison. Its remarkable façade, carved with diamond-shaped stone projections, evokes the facets of a precious stone. This distinctive “diamond-point” decoration, typical of Italian-influenced Mannerist architecture, gave the house its name. It is also one of the oldest surviving buildings in Marseille.

Origins in the Renaissance

Built between the late 16th and early 17th centuries, probably on the former gardens of the palace of the Counts of Provence, the Maison Diamantée was commissioned by wealthy merchants of Spanish and Italian origin. Its exact origins remain uncertain, but among the likely first owners were Pierre Gardiolle, a Catalan merchant, or Nicolas de Robbio, a Piedmontese artillery controller. The building reflects the economic and cultural vitality of Renaissance Marseille, then a major Mediterranean gateway for trade and exchange.

A Patrician Residence Turned Historical Monument

Listed as a Historic Monument since 1925, the Maison Diamantée is a rare vestige of the patrician residences of old Marseille, before the city’s great urban upheavals. It notably housed prestigious families such as the Saboulin de Bollena—Pierre, alderman of Marseille in 1683, then his nephew François, first alderman in 1702—as well as the Castellane Majastre. It was sometimes mistakenly called “the palace of King René,” although he never resided there.

A Hidden Architectural Treasure

The interior, far less known than its façade, conceals an architectural treasure often overlooked by visitors: a monumental stone staircase, adorned with sculpted balusters, rising within a bright stairwell punctuated by large mullioned windows. This central element of the house illustrates the refinement and social standing of its former owners. A masterpiece of Provençal Renaissance architecture, its elegance contrasts with the sobriety of the exterior and alone justifies the building’s reopening to the public.

From Noble Mansion to Working-Class Residence

During the French Revolution, the house was divided up, and in the 19th century, it underwent a radical transformation. Dockworkers and Italian immigrants settled there, turning this noble mansion into a working-class residence. This shift perfectly illustrates the social evolution of Marseille’s city center over the centuries.

Saved from Ruin

In 1914, when the house was in ruins, the association Art et Charité purchased and saved it, later donating it to the Comité du Vieux Marseille. It narrowly escaped destruction in 1943, when German authorities ordered mass demolitions in the neighborhood. In 1962, it became municipal property under the condition that it be devoted to cultural use.

A Cultural Landmark Through the 20th Century

From 1967 to 2009, the building housed the Musée du Vieux Marseille, dedicated to daily life, folk art, and the city’s history. The collections were later transferred to the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille in the Centre Bourse. In 2013, during Marseille-Provence European Capital of Culture, the Maison Diamantée served as headquarters for the organizing association.

Contested Uses and New Agreements

After that, however, the building lost its museum function. Occupied by municipal administrative services, it was no longer accessible to the public. In response, the Comité du Vieux Marseille took legal action to enforce the conditions of the original donation. Mediation finally led to a compromise in 2021: the Maison Diamantée must once again host only cultural activities open to the public, related to Marseille’s history or heritage, for at least fifteen years.

A Heritage Jewel for the Future

This unique building, blending Renaissance architectural heritage, urban memory, and social history, is one of the few surviving witnesses of old Marseille. Its unusual façade continues to draw the eyes of passersby, while its turbulent history mirrors that of the city itself—a layered metropolis, shaped by centuries, ever-changing yet faithful to its roots.

Today (2025), projects are underway to restore the Maison Diamantée to a fully cultural and touristic role, in connection with the Musée d’Histoire de Marseille. The goal is to reopen this heritage jewel to visitors, who will once again be able to (re)discover a precious chapter of Marseille’s history—carved in stone, all the way to the heart of its majestic interior staircase.

What to See Around the Maison Diamantée

The Maison Diamantée enjoys a prime location in the Panier, one of Marseille’s oldest and most charming districts. Just steps away, visitors can admire:

• Marseille City Hall (Hôtel de Ville) – a 17th-century baroque masterpiece facing the Old Port.
• The Hôtel-Dieu – a former hospital founded in the Middle Ages, rebuilt in the 18th century, and today transformed into a luxury hotel, a striking example of Marseille’s layered history.
• Place Villeneuve-Bargemon – a modern square bordered by the Pavillon Bargemon, offering access to exhibitions and city archives.
• The Musée des Docks Romains – built on the remains of ancient Roman warehouses, this museum highlights Marseille’s importance as a Mediterranean trading hub. (2025 close)
• Place de Lenche – once the Roman forum, now a lively square with cafés and a panoramic view of the port.
• The Church of Les Accoules – with its striking bell tower, a reminder of Marseille’s medieval heritage.
• The Old Port (Vieux-Port) – the city’s historic harbor, the heart of Marseille since antiquity.
• The Ferry Boat – a short but iconic crossing that links the two sides of the Old Port, famously mentioned by Marcel Pagnol.
• La Vieille Charité – a magnificent 17th-century charitable hospice, today a cultural and museum center.

What to See Around the City hall