Cathédrale La Major

About Cathédrale La Major

Cathédrale La Major, also often addressed as Cathedrale de la Major Marseille are two Cathedrals, old and new respectively. Built towards the end of the 19th century, the era of Napolean III, the Emperor of France, it was collectively decided that Cathedrale de la Major Marseille shall replace the 12th-century Provencal Romanesque Cathedral. 

Cathedrale de la Major Marseille is a must-visit place for multiple definitive reasons starting from its intricate details and spectacular structure to the joy of visiting the historical and spiritual glory of the Imperial France.


Cathédrale La Major is located along the Plaza Major, the facade of the cathedral is built using two types of stone tile which in turn gives an effect of horizontal bars. The new Cathedrale La Major is a massive Romanesque-Byzantine Revival structure with dimensions of 469 feet long and 231 feet high with a holding capacity of an average of 3000 people. Although the earlier cathedral was demolished, certain parts of it were retained as the general public opposed the decision of the complete destruction of the old Cathédrale La Major

Inside Cathédrale La Major

The musical instrument organ placed inside the Cathedral de La Major is iconic and rare. Fitted with horizontal and vertical pipes, the organ separately has visitors coming in every year to have a perfect view of the same. The main organ instrument inside the cathedral is famous throughout the world and this has been included inside the itinerary to visit the cathedral of de la Major Marseille.

The Cathedrale La Major Marseille is not a stand-alone cathedral but is accompanied by numerous chapels by the side. One of the famous chapels among them is the "Chapel of Virgin".One of these side chapels also bear the remains of the former bishops in the area.

Construction materials used in the church are noted for its splendid and lavish nature. The materials used for the construction of Cathedrale La Major Marseille include white marble from Cararre, green stone from Florence, stone from Calissane and from the Gard, onyx from Italy and Tunisia, and mosaics from Venice.

The beautiful towers are also home to some amazing and iconic statues. These include the statues of Jesus Christ and some of his Apostles. The intricate design along with construction techniques makes it even more worthy to view and visit the place.

The Vaults around the Cathedrale Marseille are considered one of the best places to walk around. These vaults also cater to the provision of shopping and food hogging apart from providing and calm and beautiful place to stroll aorund. This is indeed one of the most loved place by the tourists visiting from across the world.

History Of Cathédrale La Major

Old Major: Cathédrale La Major is situated at the Plaza Major, a famous place in Marseille’s Joliette district. The Cathedral initially regarded as a modest church underwent renovation and reconstruction several rounds over the centuries. The old Cathedrale de la Major Marseille was originally petitioned for demolishing, but with active protests from the general public and more, even today certain parts of the old major cathedral is retained showcasing the old architecture and history of the place.


New Major: The new Cathedrale de la Major Marseille is regarded and recognized as a national treasure as it reinforced the city's image with its magnificent structure and is also considered as an active merger between the East and the West. The same reasons behind Cathédrale La Major's inspiring mix of Gothic, Roman, and Byzantine styles.

The architecture of La Major


La Cathedrale de La Major is nothing less than a Marseille Architectural jewel and all the time worth visiting for population of all ages. Cathedrale de la Major Marseille counts to the only cathedral built in the later part of the 19 nth century standing there perfectly in contrast with the modern building in front of the cathedral. The architectural science used behind the Cathedrale de La Major's construction is inspiring with intricate detailing. The foundation stone of the cathedral was laid by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte on 26th September 1852. The Cathedral is adorned with amazing frameworks, domes, and beautiful interior decor elements. The construction period spanned around forty years and finally, the work was completed by November 30th, 1893. The Cathedral was consecrated in 1897 and was classified as a historical monument in 1906. 


By combining Roman and Oriental styles of architecture, the materials used for construction included white marble from Cararre, green stone from Florence, stone from Calissane and from the Gard, onyx from Italy and Tunisia, and mosaics from Venice. The interior detailings were intricate and all the elements and the designs used represent the religious and historical aspects. Elementals from the cathedral of 'Lucques’ and ‘Sienne’ were borrowed to decorate the domes and railings of Cathedrale de La Major. Likewise, the facades of the Cathedral are decorated with facade is decorated with statues of Christ, the Apostles, Saint Peter, Saint Paul, and the Saints of Provence. The massive structure with architectural brilliance along with significant historical relevance makes Cathedrale de la Major Marseille one of the world's largest and most majestic Cathedrals.

Plan To Visit

Essential Information
How To Reach?
Best Time To Visit
Things to know before you go

Opening Hours: Cathedrale de la Major Marseille is open from 10 am to 7 pm on all days except on Mondays.


Location: Plaza. de la Major, 13002 Marseille, France

By bus: Bus nos 82 and 49 drops you at Cathedral La Major

By car: Cabs can be hired from any part of Marseille or even France to the Cathedral La Major. Additionally, there are areas to park your private cars near the monument within walkable distance and it is best suggested to book the parking slots in advance if you are taking your personal cars.

By metro: Nearest metro station to the monument in Joliette and line no 2 has a stop here in the station. Followed by a walkable distance to the cathedral in under ten minutes.

By tramway: The nearest tram station is Jolliet and lines T2 and T3 will take you to the monument. Followed by a short walking distance.

By foot: The Cathedral's gigantic structure and fame will make it extra easy for you to find the monument if you are already near the old port.

The Cathedral is functioning on all days from 10 am to 7 pm except on Mondays. However, it is strictly essential to maintain the proper decorum and silence if you intend to visit during service hours.

  • While visiting Cathedrale de la Major Marseille, make sure to visit the old remains of the cathedral which takes back you to stories from ages.
  • The Cathedral de la Major has an extravagant interior and makes sure to walk inside and enjoy the intricate detailing and designs. If you are visiting during service hours, please maintain silence throughout.

FAQ's

What makes Cathédrale La Major famous?

The gigantic structure with the perfect architectural style mix of Gothic, Roman, and Byzantine with oriental inspirations makes it a world treasure. 

Is Cathédrale La Major worth visiting?

Cathedral of the Major in Marseille is worth visiting for its cultural and historical relevance, interior design and architectural marvel.

How to visit the Cathedral of the Major in Marseille?

  • By bus: Bus nos 82 and 49 drops you at Cathedral La Major
  • By car: Cabs can be hired from any part of Marseille or even France to the Cathedral La Major. Additionally, there are areas to park your private cars near the monument within walkable distance and it is best suggested to book the parking slots in advance if you are taking your personal cars.
  • By metro: Nearest metro station to the monument in Joliette and line no 2 has a stop here in the station. Followed by a walkable distance to the cathedral in under ten minutes.
  • By tramway: The nearest tram station is Jolliet and lines T2 and T3 will take you to the monument. Followed by a short walking distance.
  • By foot: The Cathedral's gigantic structure and fame will make it extra easy for you to find the monument if you are already near the old port.

 What are the opening hours of Cathédrale La Major?

The Cathedral La Major in Marseille is open on all days from 10 am to 7 pm except on Mondays.

When was Cathédrale La Major built?

The construction of the cathedral started in the later part of the 19 nth century. Construction was started in 1852 and it was completed by 1893.

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