Can you visit La Major Cathedral for free?

Yes, entry to La Major Cathedral is free. You are free to explore the interior, admire its Roman-Byzantine architecture and enjoy the square surrounding it, with its view of the sea. Opening hours vary depending on the time of year

Why is the cathedral called ‘la Major’?

Its official name is Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral, but the people of Marseille simply call it ‘la Major’. This name refers to the old cathedral, the Vieille Major, which stands right next to it and parts of which can still be seen today.

How long does it take to visit the Cathedral of La Major?

Allow between 30 minutes and 1 hour to explore the interior of the cathedral and admire its architecture. You can extend your visit by strolling around the esplanade, through the Panier district or by heading to the Mucem, which is just a few minutes’ walk away.

Discover

'La Cathédrale de la Major'

This Marseille architectural jewel

Situated in Marseille’s 2nd arrondissement, between Le Panier, La Joliette and the Vieux-Port, the Cathedral of La Major dominates the seafront with its instantly recognisable Roman-Byzantine architecture. Just a stone’s throw from the Mucem, it offers a striking contrast between heritage and modernity. Discover the history of this unique cathedral, which has witnessed over 130 years of Marseille’s history.

The history of “La Major” Cathedral

Also known as Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedral, or simply ‘La Major’ to the people of Marseille, the cathedral is an exceptional building. Built in the 19th century, it is the only cathedral constructed in France during that period, following nearly two centuries without any new cathedrals being built. At the time, a project of this scale was as ambitious as that of a major railway station.

In the mid-19th century, Marseille experienced considerable economic and demographic growth. The city developed rapidly and modernised its infrastructure to support the expansion of its port and commercial activities.

The cathedral’s location was not chosen at random. Built near the new commercial port of La Joliette, it was intended to be one of the first buildings seen by ships arriving in Marseille, symbolising the city’s dynamism and prestige.

The foundation stone was laid on 26 September 1852 by Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte, based on plans by the architect Léon Vaudoyer. With its imposing dimensions, the Major is regarded as one of the largest cathedrals built in France since the Middle Ages. Designed to accommodate nearly 3,000 people, it was intended to reflect the importance of Marseille, then France’s second-largest city and leading port.

On the death of Léon Vaudoyer in 1872, the project was entrusted to Jacques Henri Espérandieu, who was already in charge of the construction of Notre-Dame de la Garde and a former colleague of Vaudoyer. Until his death in 1874, he supervised, in particular, the construction of the roof structures and domes.

The architect Henri Antoine Révoil then succeeded him. He continued the work, focusing mainly on the cathedral’s interior decoration, including the creation of the mosaics, sculptures and bronze elements.

After more than forty years of work, the Cathedral of Sainte-Marie-Majeure was completed on 30 November 1893. Shortly afterwards, it was handed over to Monsignor Jean-Louis Robert, then elevated to the status of a minor basilica on 24 January 1896 by Pope Leo XIII, before being consecrated on 6 May 1897.

The cathedral was finally listed as a historic monument in 1906.

The architecture of La Major

The cathedral’s architecture was designed to reflect the city’s multicultural reputation.

Indeed, it combines Roman and Eastern styles, and the materials used in its construction are extremely varied: white Carrara marble, green stone from Florence, stone from Calissane and the Gard, onyx from Italy and Tunisia, and mosaics from Venice; the interior and exterior decorations lend this religious building a unique and distinctive appearance.

Built around the 4th century, the Church of La Vieille Major is the oldest in the city. To build La Nouvelle Major, two bays had to be removed from the church! Although dwarfed by the mass of the 19th-century cathedral, it is nonetheless a true masterpiece of Provençal Romanesque art – sadly, it is closed to the public.

The domes and balustrades are decorated with elements borrowed from the cathedrals of Lucca and Siena. The novelty of the décor lies above all in the prominence of the mosaic cycles.

The façade is adorned with statues of Christ, the Apostles, Saint Peter, Saint Paul and the saints of Provence, as well as a bronze statue depicting Monseigneur de Belsunce, Bishop of Marseille during the plague of 1720.

The cathedral’s final dimensions make it one of the largest and most majestic in the world: its total length is 146 metres, whilst the main dome is nearly 70 metres high and 18 metres in diameter.

It perfectly reflects the significance of Marseille’s history.

The Major today

The cathedral sees many people passing through every day. Worshippers, curious visitors, tourists, locals… It attracts people every day, either to visit it or simply to relax on the magnificent sea-view square that surrounds it.

The cathedral is built on a system of vaults that once housed 19th-century warehouses. Now redeveloped, the area is home to numerous cafés, bars and restaurants, and is one of Marseille’s trendiest spots.

It has undeniably become an iconic landmark of Marseille.

Practical information

Address

Place De la Major, Marseille 2ème

Opening hours