Located in the 2nd district of Marseille and standing next to the old port, Marseille Cathedral is an impressive sight as viewed from the sea. The use of different shades of stone and marble set the cathedral apart from other churches of the era. Rather than following the Byzantine architectural tradition, it follows the 19th-century historicism style, an eclectic revival of past styles. Lamax/Shutterstock
One of the largest and oldest churches built in France since the Middle Ages, the Marseille Cathedral is a marvel of Neo-Byzantine architecture. It’s an example of a historicism, a 19th-century trend focusing on the revival of past architectural styles.
Located between the old and new ports of the city, the church is known locally as Cathédrale de la Major, or the Major Cathedral.
In the 19th century, Marseille was the second-largest city in France and the country’s first port. With its open sea access, it was an essential point of passage between the West and the East, and locals decided to build a large cathedral, comparable in its dimensions to St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome. In 1852, the Bishop of Marseille commissioned a cathedral in the Roman-Byzantine style to evoke the city’s sea connections with the ancient Byzantine empire.
On Sept. 26, 1852, Napoleon III laid the first stone of the construction on the site of the old cathedral, which dated to the 11th century. Only some parts were dismantled for the new eight-domed structure; both structures can be seen today.
Built between 1852 and 1893 based on the plans of architect Léon Vaudoyer, the new cathedral took more than 40 years to finish. Architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu added the frameworks and domes, and architect Henri Antoine Révoil designed the magnificent interior. Completed in 1893, the cathedral features a striped Byzantine façade and a colorful interior adorned with gold, bronze, and marble décor, as well as mosaics, statues, and stained-glass windows.
A close-up of the Marseille Cathedral reveals its intricate domes. The spires and domes reference the West and the East, and are modeled on those of Avignon Cathedral. The domes and cupolas reference the Byzantine churches of Istanbul. Idgfr photos/Shutterstock
The imposing striped façade of the Marseille Cathedral is topped by two domed towers. A gallery connects the two towers. Just below that, there's a row of seven statues, including Christ in the center and his apostles and companions, as well as bishops of Marseille. Underneath this connecting gallery, a round arch reveals the church’s tympanum. Idgfr photos/Shutterstock
The church's tympanum, a semi-circular structure over its entrance, is located under small statues of Christ and his disciples. The tympanum, within the façade’s triple arch, features a marble rose window in its center, surrounded by a blue and gold mosaic of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, which was inspired by the Mausoleum of Galla Placidia in Ravenna. medhi33300/Shutterstock
The church’s interior is in the shape of a Latin cross, with three bays making up the main nave over a Venetian mosaic floor. White and red marble columns support the triple arcade, as well as the vaults and domes. Reflecting the church’s façade, the interior uses polychromy, or decoration in many colors, with alternating warm tones. John Silver/Shutterstock
One of the numerous side naves of the cathedral, with walls covered in gold and marble, is reminiscent of the opulence typically seen in Byzantine churches. Dark gray porphyry columns are supported by arches and present carved marble foliage, while the marble balustrade supports an impressive bronze candelabra. The altar is framed by a triple blue and gold mosaic arch and holds a statue by Auguste Carli, representing St. Veronica wiping the face of Jesus when he fell to the ground. Joaquin Ossorio Castillo/Shutterstock
Above the church’s main altar is the central bronze dome, supported by four onyx columns from Tunis, and intricate golden flower ornamentations. The octagonal dome is lit by eight semi-circular arched windows framed by white marble columns. The center of the dome features a colorful rosette on a dark blue background. John Silver/Shutterstock
Ariane Triebswetter
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Ariane Triebswetter is an international freelance journalist, with a background in modern literature and classical music.
