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Origin and history

The Daviel Hotel is an iconic building in Marseille, built between 1743 and 1747 by the Gérard brothers. Originally, it replaces a 16th century courthouse, deemed too small by the municipal authorities. The project, funded by a wheat surtax, incorporates an adjacent house purchased from Mr Ferrary to expand the right-of-way. The courts settled there as early as 1747, but the building also became the theatre of capital executions during the Revolution.

The monument owes its name to surgeon Jacques Daviel, known for his intervention during the plague of 1720. After sheltering the courthouse until 1862, he hosted the medical school from 1875 to 1893. Spared during the destructions of 1943, it now serves as municipal services. Its façades, classified in 1945, feature ionic pilasters, a triangular pediment and allegorical sculptures by Jean-Michel Verdiguier, symbolizing Justice and the Law.

The protruding forebody is decorated with a wrought iron balcony with daisy motifs. The pediment, decorated with a goddess on a lion, is surrounded by angels carrying the weapons of Marseilles. Under the windows of the second floor, panels represent the hand of Justice and the torch of Themis. Since 2006, Daviel Hotel has been underground connected to City Hall, integrating a modern administrative complex.

The initial financing, disputed between the municipality and the royal treasure, resulted in a ruling of the King's Council in 1742 imposing reconstruction at the expense of the city. During the work, the judicial services were temporarily installed on rue des Olives. The total cost was 194,212 pounds, a considerable amount for the time.

Today, the Daviel Hotel embodies both Marseille's judicial legacy and its urban evolution. Its architecture, typical of the 18th century Provencal houses, makes it a privileged witness to local history, between justice, medicine and municipal power.

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