Timeline

Heritage classified

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Origin and history

La Bastide Marin is a mansion built in the second half of the 17th century in La Ciotat, in the Bouches-du-Rhône. It embodies the typical architecture of the bastides of the Aix-en-Provence region and Marseilles, with its sober facades contrasting with rich interiors, such as a double-revolution staircase and baroque fireplaces. The bastide is associated with influential families of La Ciotat, including the Marins, long course captains from Italy, enriched by trade with the Levant.

The first official mention of the bastide dates back to the cadastre of 1680. Over the centuries, it has belonged to prominent personalities such as the Abeille, Portalis and Fabre families, often linked to maritime armaments and international trade. Developments from the 18th and 19th centuries were added, without fundamentally altering its original structure.

Since 4 March 2013, the Bastide Marin is now managed by the association La Ciotat, once upon a time, which has installed a Centre for the Interpretation of the Mediterranean Matrimony. The site, open to the public, offers visits and cultural events, such as the Festival des Pays Latins Fest的aqui and a Euro-Mediterranean festival celebrating the city's maritime history. In 2021, it was selected for the Heritage Lotto, highlighting its historical and architectural importance.

The research carried out by the association allowed to trace its history until the 16th century, revealing its role in the economic and social life of La Ciotat. The bastide, with its gardens and agricultural outbuildings, illustrates the way of life of local elites, mixing maritime trade, agriculture and Mediterranean cultural influence.

Its inscription as a historical monument covers the entire building, its southern calade and the facades of the outbuildings. Owned by the municipality, it is today a place of transmission of heritage, combining restoration, cultural activities and valorisation of Euro-Mediterranean history.

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