With its unusual façade, the heritage-listed Hôtel de Cabre, constructed in 1535, is one of the oldest buildings in Marseille. Visitors flock here each year to admire its Gothic and Renaissance architecture. They owe a debt of thanks to the unplanned reorganisation of the surrounding homes, many of which were destroyed during World War II. Eleven years later, when the Vieux-Port district was being rebuilt, this old house – still intact – stood in the way of city plans to enlarge Grande Rue. Not a problem! All 670 tonnes of the building were lifted with a system of rails and a hydraulic pump powered by a four horsepower engine, then turned 90 degrees so that it aligned with the now widened street. When you look up at the building and take in its three storeys now, it’s hard to believe this impressive feat of engineering ever took place.
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