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Origin and history

Notre-Dame-de-la-Seds Cathedral in Toulon, also known as Sainte-Marie-Majure, is an emblematic monument of Provencal religious heritage. Founded in the 11th century by the Count of Provence Boson of Arles, it was dedicated to the Virgin Mary and bears a name derived from the Latin sedis ("seat"), reflecting her status as episcopal seat. The Romanesque building, renovated in the 17th and 18th centuries, incorporates heterogeneous elements: a nave with ogival vaults, a flat bedside, and a classical facade erected between 1696 and 1701 by architect Albert Duparc. Ranked a historic monument in 1997, it houses major works, such as 17th century retables and 19th century frescoes by Ludovic Bonifay.

The history of the cathedral is marked by contrasting episodes. Consecrated in 1517 by Bishop Jean Colombi, it was the seat of the diocese of Toulon until its abolition in 1801, before becoming the diocese of Fréjus-Toulon in 1958. Contrary to a tenacious legend, no reliable source confirms its transformation into a mosque during Barberousse's stay in 1543-1544: parish records even attest to the continuation of baptisms during this period. The building underwent major expansions in the 17th century, including the integration of the chapel of Saintes-Reliques, and a partial reconstruction after a fire in 1681, with contributions from local artists such as Pierre Puget and Christophe Veyrier.

The cathedral is distinguished by its liturgical furniture and its richly decorated chapels. The chapel of the Virgin houses paintings by Pierre Puget and a golden statue of the Virgin (1838), while that of Corpus Domini presents a marble and stucco altarpiece of Veyrier, surmounted by paintings by Jean-Baptiste van Loo. The choir stalls, carved by Bernard Sénéquier in the 19th century, and the organ of 1851 (renovated in 1965) complete this heritage. Piled during the Revolution, it was restored to worship in 1802. His stained glass windows, destroyed during the Second World War, were replaced by modern creations. Today owned by Toulon, it remains a major religious and architectural symbol of the region.

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