Marseille Cathédrale

This summer, visit Marseille and discover the cathedral "La Major" named by the people of Marseille (Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille), with its Romanesque-Byzantine style architecture.

Marseille Cathedral was designed by architects Léon Vaudoyer and Henri-Jacques Espérandieu. It was built between 1852 and 1896 in a “Latin cross” configuration on the original foundations of the “old Major” dating from the 12th century.

The cathedral has two bell towers, a mosaic floor, a marble interior and a dome 70 meters high and 17.5 meters in diameter.

The cathedral, 142 meters long, can accommodate up to 3,000 people. Located in the city of Marseille, in the Panier district, the cathedral offers a view of the port, the quays and the sea.

History of "The Major"

It is the only cathedral built in the 19th century, no cathedral had been built for 200 years.

The choice of location for the Cathedral is thought out, near the new commercial port, it is indeed here that boats arrive from all over the world and will see the power and beauty of Marseille from afar.

It is considered one of the largest cathedrals built in this country since the Middle Ages. Its dimensions, comparable to those of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome, were, according to the design of the time, to be worthy of the importance of the second city and the first port of France, and allow it to accommodate 3,000 people.

It was classified as a historical monument in 1906.

The Major today

The cathedral is built on a system of vaults housing the 19th century warehouses. Today there are now many cafes, bars, and restaurants there and it is one of the trendiest places in Marseille. It attracts many people every day, to visit it or simply to visit the square with its sea view.

Addrese: Place De la Major, Marseille 2ème Price: Free

Official website: www.marseille.catholique.fr