Acquisition by the Jesuits 1628 (≈ 1628)
House transformed into a residence in Marseille.
1702
Establishment of the observatory
Establishment of the observatory 1702 (≈ 1702)
Installation by the Jesuits at the Accoules.
1749
Royal Marine Observatory
Royal Marine Observatory 1749 (≈ 1749)
Official recognition of its scientific role.
1781
Integration with the Academy of Marseille
Integration with the Academy of Marseille 1781 (≈ 1781)
Renovation for academic activities.
1793
Abolition of the Academy
Abolition of the Academy 1793 (≈ 1793)
Closure by the National Convention.
1863
Transfer to Longchamp Palace
Transfer to Longchamp Palace 1863 (≈ 1863)
End of astronomical use on site.
2017
Registration for historical monuments
Registration for historical monuments 2017 (≈ 2017)
Protection of the building and the meadow.
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
In total, the building of the former Observatoire de Marseille, housing today the primary school of the Accoules district and the space of the Préau des Accoules assigned to the educational workshops of the museums of Marseille, located 27 ascent des Accoules, as delimited by a red border on the plan annexed to the decree (cad. 809 A 282): inscription by order of 21 April 2017
Key figures
Esprit-Joseph Brun - Architect
Manufacturer of the building and neo-classical room.
Jésuites - Initial owners
Founders of the residence and observatory.
Origin and history
The former Marseille Observatory, also known as the Sainte-Croix House, is a building designed by architect Esprit-Joseph Brun. Located on the 27th climb of the Accoules, in the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille, it has been listed as historical monuments since 2017. This place was first a Jesuit residence before becoming an observatory in 1702, then a space dedicated to the Academy of Marseilles in the 18th century.
In 1628, the Jesuits acquired a house in the Accoules district, which they transformed into a comfortable residence. In 1702 they set up an observatory, called the Royal Marine Observatory in 1749. The Académie de Marseille, founded in 1726, established its activities there in 1781 after a renovation of the premises. However, the Academy was abolished in 1793 by the Convention, although the observatory continued to operate until 1863.
That year, the observatory was transferred to the Longchamp Palace, and the Accoules building became a primary school. Today, only the neoclassical column hall, designed by Brun, and the central astronomical tower remain in their original state. The site, which still houses an elementary school, was protected in 2017 for its architectural and historical heritage.
The building illustrates the evolution of scientific knowledge in Marseille, marked by the influence of the Jesuits, and by the commitment of the Academy of Sciences, Arts and Literature. Its architecture, mixing religious heritage and scientific vocation, makes it a rare testimony of this period. The astronomical tower, the heart of the observation system, recalls its pioneering role in the study of stars in Provence.
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