Marseille Cathedral, Catholic cathedral in La Joliette district, Marseille, France
Marseille Cathedral is a cathedral located near the harbor, combining Byzantine, Romanesque, Islamic, and Renaissance architectural elements in a single structure. The striking exterior features alternating bands of light and dark stone arranged in horizontal stripes throughout the façade.
Construction began in 1852 under Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte's initiative and was completed in 1893. The architects Léon Vaudoyer and Henri-Jacques Esperandieu brought together diverse architectural currents of the 19th century in this single project.
The cathedral functions as a religious center and serves as a visual landmark for boats entering Marseille's harbor. Visitors walking around it notice how the mixed architectural styles reflect the city's Mediterranean connections and maritime history.
The building sits near public transportation and welcomes visitors daily with regular mass services throughout the week. Plan your visit accordingly if you want to avoid times when religious services are taking place.
This building was among the first French monuments to intentionally incorporate Islamic architectural elements into its design. This connection to North African traditions was unusual for Western Europe in the 19th century.
Location: 2nd arrondissement of Marseille
Inception: 1852
Architects: Léon Vaudoyer, Henri-Jacques Espérandieu
Official opening: December 1, 1893
Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture, Romanesque Revival architecture, Islamic architecture, Renaissance Revival architecture
Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00
Website: https://marseille.catholique.fr/La-Major-cathedrale
GPS coordinates: 43.29944,5.36472
Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:00
Marseille brings together ancient history and modern city life. This route reveals the many faces of the city through its most important places: the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica overlooks the entire city, while the Vieux-Port serves as the beating heart of urban activity. The harbor has been a gateway to the world for centuries, and its maritime past remains visible along the waterfront today. The collection connects impressive architecture with coastal landscapes. Historical buildings like the Palais Longchamp, the Cathédrale La Major, and Fort Saint-Jean tell stories of Marseille's political and military importance. Contemporary museums and artistic spaces show how the city has evolved. The Château d'If, a former fortress on an offshore island, comes alive through literature and history. Calanques National Park offers dramatic limestone cliffs and hidden coves that stretch along the coastline. Traditional fishing neighborhoods like the Vallon des Auffes and Malmousque preserve daily Marseille life. From street art districts like Cours Julien to quieter spots like the Goudes, the city reveals many sides and invites visitors to explore.
Marseille offers a range of photo locations that show the city's history and geography. Visitors can watch daily life at the harbor in Vallon des Auffes, where fishing boats create traditional scenes, or walk the steep streets of the old quarter Le Panier, with its colorful facades and local shops. The Calanque de Morgiou displays natural coastal beauty with limestone cliffs and turquoise water. The city connects historical buildings with modern life. Fort Saint-Jean shapes the harbor landscape, while the Palais Longchamp impresses with its neoclassical design. Art and sculpture appear throughout: on Cours Julien with its street murals, in Vieille Charité, which serves as a cultural space, and in Le Corbusier's Cité Radieuse, showing postwar architecture. Those interested in religious monuments will find La Major Cathedral with its Byzantine form and Saint Victor Abbey with its long history. Natural spots like Corniche Kennedy and Borély Park offer views of the sea and local leisure culture. Less familiar places like La Buzine or Anse de la Fausse Monnaie reward explorers with quieter settings. Together, these locations show Marseille's many faces: a city with maritime tradition, artistic heritage, and open spaces by the water.
Cathédrale de la Major
46 m
Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations
403 m
La Vieille Charité
261 m
Hôtel-Dieu de Marseille
423 m
Villa Méditerranée
334 m
Grotte Cosquer
328 m
Eglise Saint-Laurent
417 m
Maison Diamantée
463 m
Old Charity Center
269 m
Le Panier Marseillais
326 m
Église Notre-Dame-des-Accoules
382 m
Vieille Major
45 m
Musée d’Archéologie Méditerranéenne
315 m
Museum of the Roman Docks
414 m
Musée de l'illusion Marseille
101 m
Hôtel de police de Marseille
85 m
Musée Regards de Provence
226 m
Musée des arts africains, océaniens et amérindiens
325 m
Théâtre antique de Marseille
333 m
Hôtel Daviel
433 m
Tour des Trinitaires
340 m
Théâtre de Lenche
222 m
Bâtiment de l'ancien observatoire de Marseille
278 m
Chapelle des Pénitents noirs
361 m
Préau des Accoules
256 m
Bench
409 m
Scenic viewpoint
458 m
Passage Claude McKay
443 mVisited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
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