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Cathédrale de la Major, Marseille

Place de la Major, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

The Sainte-Marie-Majeure Cathedrale, also known as La Major, was built in Neo-Byzantine style in the second half of the 19th century in the Joliette neighbourhood of Marseille, on the site of previous religious structures. The building is enormous: 146m in length and 70m high for the main dome. The choice of design mixing Roman and Oriental elements is in adequation with the city's Mediterranean origin and the construction materials were sourced from several countries (green stone from Florence, onyx from Italy, etc.). The main feature is the wide deambulatory with six chapels radiating from it.

Access & Transport

The Cathedral is next to the 2 "La Major" bus stops (82, 82S, 582 / 49) and 500m south of the Joliette metro station (M2). It is also a 10-15mins walk from the Vieux Port.

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this activity with an exploration of the Panier neighbourhood and a visit of the MuCEM (European & Mediterranean Civilizations Museum) and La Vieille Charité.

Meta review

La Major is one of the city's best-known monuments and gets excellent reviews from travellers who admire its massive size, unique domes towers, and unusual façade with horizontal green and white stripes. The location, overlooking the ocean and close to the MuCEM is also a plus.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Preserves the city's architectural heritage

Conclusion

The Major is a prominent and striking edifice along the city waterfront; it is surprisingly recent (very few large churches were built in the 19th century in France). Since any traveller is sure to be in the area at some stage (MuCEM and the Panier neighbourhood are there), it would be a missed opportunity not to check it out and admire not just its exterior aesthetics but also its arresting interior.

Key positive

Original and photogenic exterior facade

Impressive architectural design, especially the various domes and large deambulatory

Key negative

None

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit

av. transport time:0h 25m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 19:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 19:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 19:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 19:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 19:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Nov, 01

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 17:30

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:30

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:30

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:30

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:30

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:30

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:30

Pricing
Free

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