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Origin and history

Notre-Dame-de-la-Major Cathedral, also known as Sainte-Marie-Major, is the seat of the Archbishop of Marseilles. Built between 1852 and 1893 in neo-Byzantine style by architect Léon Vaudoyer, it replaces an ancient Romanesque cathedral of the 12th century, built on the remains of a Paleo-Christian church. Its architecture combines eastern and western influences, with domes, bell towers, and interior decoration in marble and porphyry.

The site contains major archaeological remains, including a paleo-Christian Baptistery, the largest of Gauls, and 11th century mosaics. The current 142-metre-long cathedral was erected as a minor basilica in 1896. It combines Romanesque, Gothic and Byzantine elements, with precious materials such as Carrara marble, Tunisian lyx and Venetian mosaics. Its monumental portico, flanked by towers, is decorated with statues of the apostles and Provencal saints.

The construction, launched by Eugene de Mazenod and inaugurated by Louis-Napoleon Bonaparte, lasted 40 years under the successive direction of three architects: Vaudoyer, Esperandieu and Révoil. The cathedral houses the tomb of Saint Eugene de Mazenod, founder of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and annually hosts the procession of the Madonna on August 15. Classified as a historical monument in 1906, it has been recently restored as part of the Euro-Mediterranean project.

The former Romanesque cathedral, known as Old Major, partially preserved despite the 19th century protests, presents an apse choir and octagonal dome. It contains Renaissance elements, such as the altar of Saint Lazarus, and a cross deposition attributed to the workshop della Robbia. Declassified as a parish church, it is now closed to the public.

The 19th century excavations revealed fragments of mosaics and pink limestone walls, attesting to a primitive cathedral more than 60 metres long. A Carolingian restoration added carved decorations, while Bishop Pons I rebuilt the apse in the 11th century. These remains, partially disappeared, bear witness to the religious importance of the site since the fifth century.

The present cathedral, with its five domes and 70 meters high, can accommodate 3,000 people. Its walkway, its radiant chapels and its marble altar of Carrara make it a unique building. The facades, treated in polychrome strips, alternate Cassis stone and Florence green marble, while the interior is decorated with mosaics inspired by the churches of Lucca and Siena.

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