The Fossati Fountain, located on Place des Capucines in Marseille, is a listed Historical Monument. Sculpted in 1778 by Dominique Fossati in the Louis XVI Baroque style, it was originally created in homage to Jacques Necker, Minister of Finance under Louis XVI. The monument features four lions supporting an obelisk brought from Egypt by Napoleon, surrounded by dolphins and children playing around a sea turtle, directing the water into a shell-shaped basin that overflows into a lower pool.

The Latin inscription “HON. DOMI. FOSSATI IRU et FECIT” honors the sculptor himself rather than Necker, following the tradition of naming public artworks after their creators. Dominique Fossati, a member of a renowned family of Ticinese sculptors, is celebrated for his mastery of marble carving.

The Place des Capucines, where the fountain stands, is a relatively small, urbanized square located in the historic center of Marseille. Rectangular in shape, it measures about 60 meters long by 30 meters wide—an area of roughly 1,800 square meters—making it a compact and densely populated crossroads. The paved space, composed mainly of concrete and stone tiles, is bordered by classical buildings with Baroque and Neoclassical façades, characteristic of the city’s architectural heritage.

Originally a lively gathering place, the square has gradually been redesigned to reduce car traffic, improving pedestrian comfort. The 2012 redevelopment opened the space and introduced limited greenery, though it remains largely urban, with few trees or plants.

Despite its modest size, Place des Capucines retains a distinct historical charm, largely due to the Fossati Fountain, which draws attention as both a decorative centerpiece and a link to Marseille’s artistic past. This small public space serves as a living memory of the city’s heritage, blending past and present in a subtle but meaningful way.

In essence, Place des Capucines represents a typical Marseille urban landscape, where history and evolution coexist, and where art and city life meet without ostentation.

Considered the oldest monumental fountain in Marseille, the Fossati Fountain bears witness to the city’s rich artistic and urban heritage. However, its current surroundings do not do it full justice — the fountain is often marked by graffiti, no longer operational, and set in a square that lacks enhancement. While it remains an important piece of Marseille’s history, it is not a must-see stop unless you are particularly fond of historic fountains or public sculpture.