Marseille's largest church and main cathedral is located on the seafront and on the edge of the historic district of Le Panier.
The cathedral impresses at first sight with its unusual and ornate neo-Byzantine style. The cathedral is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.
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Old and new cathedral
The Romanesque basilica on the seafront promenade dates back to the 12th century and, unlike other cathedrals around the world, it has not suffered the fate of destruction or complete rebuilding.
Although the present monumental Major Cathedral was built between 1852 and 1893, the original Romanesque structure remained intact and still stands a few metres away.
The magnificent interior
The Basilica of La Major is a magnificent building on the outside, but even more beautiful on the inside.
The entrance to the three-nave cathedral is through a monumental and beautifully decorated portico. The generous interior spaces are lined with walls of white Carrara marble and pink porphyry.
The huge dome and the altars in the side aisles catch the eye.
Admission and opening hours
The cathedral is open to the public every day from 10:00-19:00.
Admission is free.
How to get there
La Major Cathedral is about a 5-minute walk from the Mucem Museum and a 20-minute walk from the centre of Vieux Port.
There are bus stops right next to the cathedral called "La Major" where lines 49, 82 and 82S stop.
What to see around
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