Hôpital Caroline, Historical hospital on Ratonneau Island, Marseille, France
The Hôpital Caroline is a former hospital on Ratonneau Island near Marseille, made up of twelve buildings arranged around a central chapel with Greek-style architecture. The complex covers several thousand square meters and was built with separate pavilions connected by covered walkways and courtyards.
The complex was built between 1823 and 1828 by architect Michel-Robert Penchaud and originally served to quarantine travelers during yellow fever outbreaks. Its creation came during a period when infectious diseases were a major threat to port cities.
The hospital reflects how doctors in the early 1800s believed that fresh air and open space could heal patients. You can see this thinking in the way the buildings are spread out and designed to catch the breeze.
The former hospital is now open to visitors and hosts cultural events like exhibitions and concerts throughout the year. You can walk through the buildings and courtyards at a relaxed pace to explore the island setting.
The central chapel was positioned so that patients lying in their dormitory rooms could watch religious services without leaving their buildings. This thoughtful design shows how the architect considered the needs of the sick while planning the layout.
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