Cathédrale de la Major

The Cathédrale de la Major is a Roman Catholic cathedral in Marseille featuring striped green and white limestone walls and multiple Byzantine-style domes that reach high into the sky. The building's exterior combines these stone stripes with elaborate architectural details that give it a distinctive appearance when seen from the harbor.

The foundation stone was laid in 1852 under Napoleon III, and construction continued for several decades before the first service took place in 1893. This lengthy building period reflects the technical and financial challenges of the era.

The interior shimmers with alternating white and green marble panels, Byzantine arcades, and detailed mosaics showing religious scenes. These decorations create a sense of grandeur that reflects how people wanted to build monuments of faith during the 1800s.

You can visit the building on most days, though it is wise to check current hours before going. The location on the waterfront is easy to reach on foot and also offers nice views of the surrounding area.

Excavations beneath the building uncovered remains of a 5th-century Christian baptistery with preserved mosaics still visible today. This discovery reveals that the site had religious importance centuries before the current structure was built.

Location: Marseille

Inception: January 1, 1893

Address: Pl. de la Major, 13002 Marseille, France

Opening Hours: Tuesday-Sunday 10:00-18:00

Phone: +33772156010

Website: https://marseille.catholique.fr/La-Major-cathedrale

GPS coordinates: 43.29981,5.36498

Latest update: December 7, 2025 19:28