Visit La Major Cathedral

La Major Cathedral is located in the heart of the 2nd arrondissement of Marseille, a stone's throw from the Old Port and the Panier district. It is one of the most impressive religious buildings in the city and an emblematic site of the Phocaean city.

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History of Sainte-Marie Majeure Cathedral

La Major is one of the largest cathedrals built in France since the Middle Ages. Its construction began in the mid-19th century, a time of strong economic and demographic growth for Marseille. Its location in the Joliette district, next to the new commercial port, is no coincidence. Indeed, it is here that boats from all over the world pass through. Seen from the sea, this majestic building therefore represents the brilliance and grandeur of the first port in France.

It was Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte who laid the first stone in September 1852. The works were completed more than 40 years later, directed successively by different project managers. Part of the work was thus carried out by the architect Henri Espérandieu who at the same time created the Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica and the Longchamp Palace.

The dimensions of the cathedral are designed to accommodate 3,000 worshipers. Equivalent to those of St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, they reflect the importance of Marseille, the second largest city in France. Sainte-Marie Majeure Cathedral was consecrated on May 06, 1897 and classified as a historical monument in 1906.

A jewel of religious architecture

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The cathedral is built on the site of the Vieille Major, one of the oldest churches in Marseille. Symbolic of Provençal Romanesque art, the old building has not been entirely preserved. With a set of bell towers and domes, La Major pays homage to both Eastern and Western churches. Of neo-Byzantine style, this building forms an exceptional architectural ensemble which opens onto a monumental portico framed by two towers. Its central dome adorned with decorations culminates at 70 meters. The interior and exterior decoration is made using a wide variety of materials:

• white marble from Carrara;
• green stone from Florence;
• onyx from Tunisia and Italy;
• mosaic from Venice.

At the foot of the cathedral, the 19th century vaults which once housed industrial warehouses have been completely renovated. Next to the MuCEM and the new cultural monuments of the district, they now host the trendy bars and restaurants of the city.

Every year, the people of Marseille pay homage to the Madonna during a procession from the Major esplanade.

Your hotel near La Major Cathedral

Are you looking for a cheap hotel in Marseille? Choose from B&B HOTELS establishments in La Joliette, Euromed, La Timone or Les ports! Ideally located, they allow easy access to the main tourist sites and remarkable gardens of the Phocaean city.

We offer double or family rooms, equipped and comfortable. Enjoy unlimited wifi connection, all-you-can-eat breakfast and many other B&B HOTELS services! Are you traveling by car? Our establishments can offer you parking solutions, including for some, secure underground parking for a peaceful stay.

Discover our accommodation offer without further delay and choose the best hotel for your stay in Marseille!