Marseille Cathedral

The Cathedral of the Major or Cathedral Sainte-Marie-Majeure is the catholic cathedral of the archdiocese of Marseille. The Major was built in neo-Byzantine style between 1852 and 1893 on the plans of the architect Léon Vaudoyer. It is a listed historical monument since 1906.

About this building

Since the 5th century, several religious buildings have followed one another at this site. The current cathedral, the new Major, stands to the west of the remains of the old Romanesque cathedral, the old Major. But the destruction and foundations necessary for the implantation of the new cathedral revealed the existence of a third early Christian church and the largest Gauls baptistery established on the same site.

Key Features

  • Architecture
  • Stained glass
  • Monuments
  • Interior features
  • Atmosphere / quiet space
  • Social heritage
  • Links to national heritage
  • Famous people or stories

Visitors information

  • Bus stop within 100m
  • Parking within 250m

Other nearby buildings

Chapelle des Pénitents noirs, Marseille 2e

This chapel belonged to the Brotherhood of the Holy Name of Jesus, nicknamed "the Bourras" because of the habit in cruets worn by their members. The chapel was built in 1597. Seized during the Revolution, it is disused, serves as a warehouse for objects from various churches and became a revolutionary court in 1793. It was classified as a historical monument in 1931.

Church of Notre Dame des Accoules

The church is built on an ancient temple dedicated to Minerva. The site will be occupied by nuns in 1033, then there will be several periods of destruction and reconstruction. In 1060 the building is attached to the Abbey of Saint Victor. It will still be demolished during the revolution because it was used for political meetings. It was rebuilt under the July monarchy. Today only the bell tower remains, the latter was classified as a historical monument in 1964.