La Ciotat is fighting for the title of Ville d’art et d’histoire”!

La Ciotat is fighting for the title of Ville d’art et d’histoire”!

La Ciotat, a charming town on the French Mediterranean coast, has set out to claim the title of “Ville d’art et d’histoire”. This targeted award could bring key resources for the development and enhancement of the city's cultural heritage. Jean-Louis Tixier, the deputy mayor, explains the ambitious strategy to transform historical sites of memory into living cultural sites. The focus is particularly on restoring the city's architectural treasures, which tell a variety of stories.

One of the places saved is the Eden Theater, which is considered the oldest cinema in the world. In addition, the old hospital, originally built in 1610, was converted into a modern media library. Another significant example is the city's oldest theater, which is now used as a conservatory. These initiatives demonstrate the city's commitment to preserving heritage and promoting young talent.

A powerful boost for the community

On June 3, 2024, La Ciotat will officially apply for the title “Ville d’art et d’histoire”. With this title, those responsible are pursuing the goal of developing an appreciation of cultural heritage in close cooperation with local communities. The City Council approved on June 23 the launch of an inventory entitled “The Heritage of the 17th Century – the Golden Age of La Ciotat”. This is being created in cooperation with the regional authorities and the community and is intended to take another look at the city's heyday, when Genoese captains and shipowners ensured economic boom.

In the 17th century, La Ciotat experienced extraordinary growth, which was particularly noticeable through numerous building projects. It was precisely at this time that numerous chapels and monasteries were founded, including by the brotherhood of the Pénitents Bleus. This brotherhood, founded in 1597, left an important mark, especially through the Chapel of the Pénitents Bleus, built in 1626 and classified as a historical monument in 1992.

A look into history

The town of La Ciotat looks back on an eventful history, which is also reflected in its coat of arms. The current coat of arms shows the city as a seaside settlement, surrounded by former fortifications. A line fishery was of great importance to the first inhabitants; Even today, the sardine fishery still plays a central role in the region. This historical reference illustrates how strongly the stories of the past are interwoven with the city's identity and how important it is to pass them on.

Furthermore, cultural heritage is perceived as a means of revitalization in many European cities. An EU-backed project known as ROCK (Regeneration and Optimization of Cultural heritage in Creative and Knowledge cities) aims to preserve and enhance historic centers. La Ciotat could benefit from these insights by using cultural heritage to promote social and economic development.

The combination of historical heritage and modern projects shows that La Ciotat is on a promising path to not only establish itself as a city of culture, but also to increase the quality of life of its citizens. The city could soon serve as a model for other historic cities seeking to overcome similar challenges.