Cathedral La Major

The Cathedral La Major in Marseille, also known as Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure, is one of the most iconic monuments of the city and a symbol of its rich cultural and religious history. Located between the Panier district and the Joliette area, near the Vieux-Port, the cathedral represents a magnificent example of Roman-Byzantine architecture, with its stripes of white and green marble giving it a distinctive and majestic appearance. The history of the cathedral is fascinating and complex, intertwined with the events of Marseille since ancient times. On the current site, there was once a temple dedicated to the goddess Diana, later transformed into a baptistery in the 5th century. The first church built on the site dates back to the 11th century, in Romanesque style, using pink stone from the quarries of La Couronne. This structure, known as the “Old Major”, was largely demolished in the 19th century to make way for the new cathedral, although some remains are still visible next to the current building. The construction of the new cathedral, begun in 1852, was commissioned by Napoleon III as a symbol of the power and prosperity of Marseille. The project, entrusted to architects Léon Vaudoyer and Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, took over 40 years to complete, with the final consecration taking place in 1897. The cathedral, with its imposing dimensions of 146 meters in length and a main dome of almost 70 meters in height, can accommodate up to 3,000 people, making it one of the largest cathedrals of the 19th century in Europe. The architecture of the Cathédrale La Major is a spectacular fusion of Romanesque and Byzantine styles, inspired by Eastern churches. The facades are decorated with a combination of Italian marble, Tunisian onyx, porphyry, and local stone from Cassis, creating a visually striking effect. Inside, the tall stained glass windows filter natural light, illuminating the ornate altars and tombs of respected bishops from the 18th century. During the Roman period, there was a pagan temple on the site, followed by various transformations over the centuries, including Muslim attacks and reconstructions. Its strategic location near the port has always made this place a spiritual and social landmark for the Marseille community.