Stairs of Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles, Monumental staircase at Saint-Charles Railway Station, France
The Stairs of Gare de Marseille-Saint-Charles form a grand stone structure that links the railway station to the upper city boulevard. The staircase is divided into sections with intermediate landings where sculptural elements are integrated into the architecture.
The staircase was designed in 1911 but construction stretched over a decade due to World War I, finally completing in 1921. Its completion represented a significant modernization of the city's railway infrastructure and urban connections.
The sculptures along the staircase tell stories of Provence's agriculture and France's colonial ties through carved stone figures. These artworks reflect the values and interests of the city during the early twentieth century.
The staircase directly connects the railway station to the main boulevard, integrating access to different transit options and the city center. Visitors should be prepared for the climb as the path is quite extensive, though regular landing spaces offer rest opportunities.
The staircase was inaugurated by a French president and later gained protected monument status in transportation history. This recognition makes it a rare case of railway infrastructure treated as a standalone artistic achievement.
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