Prefecture hotel of Bouches-du-Rhône, Administrative building in 6th arrondissement of Marseille, France.
The Prefecture hotel of Bouches-du-Rhône is an administrative building with its main facade facing Prefecture Square and displaying classical architectural composition. The floor plan extends across a parallelogram-shaped site with wings of varying proportions.
The building was constructed between 1862 and 1866 under the direction of Auguste Martin, the departmental architect, during the administration of Charlemagne Émile de Maupas. It was inaugurated in 1867 and has served as the central administrative headquarters ever since.
The main facade displays sculptural works that reflect different artistic traditions from its era. The architectural details of the windows vary across each floor, showing the building's layered design approach.
Access is convenient via the nearby Estrangin-Prefecture metro station located in walking distance. The building operates as a working administrative center, and parts of it may be viewed upon prior arrangement.
The building was constructed on unstable ground and required special foundation techniques to ensure stability. The site previously held older structures that required careful handling during construction.
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