Cath茅drale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral), Marseille (must see)
Also known as Cathedrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille, it is actually two cathedrals, old and new. In the latter part of the 19th century Napoleon III, Emperor of France, decided to replace the 12th century provencal romanesque cathedral ("Vielle Major"). He had it demolished, all but the choir and one bay of the nave.
He spared the remnant when the outraged population demonstrated against the change. The new cathedral ("Nouvelle Major") is a massive Romanesque-Byzantine Revival structure. Towering over the waterfront, it is 469 feet long, and the main cupola is 231 feet high. It can hold up to some 3,000 souls.
It is located on the Plaza Major. The facade is formed of two different types of stone tile, giving the effect of horizontal bars of color. The locals were reminded of bedtime attire and they often refer to the cathedral as "the Pajamas", no offense intended. The interior features Carrera marble, Tunisian onyx, and Venetian mosaics.
The remains of the old 12th century cathedral huddle alongside La Major. There is not a lot left of it after Napoleon III's smashing venture. There is a chansel and an apse with smaller apses on the side. The vault is cylindrical with an eight-sided cupola above the transept and a seven-sided cupola above the cross of the transept.
Why You Should Visit:
This is an awesome structure. It declares not so much spiritual glory as it does the past glory of Imperial France. Dominating all around it, it declares power forgotten but never outdone. And besides, admission is free.
He spared the remnant when the outraged population demonstrated against the change. The new cathedral ("Nouvelle Major") is a massive Romanesque-Byzantine Revival structure. Towering over the waterfront, it is 469 feet long, and the main cupola is 231 feet high. It can hold up to some 3,000 souls.
It is located on the Plaza Major. The facade is formed of two different types of stone tile, giving the effect of horizontal bars of color. The locals were reminded of bedtime attire and they often refer to the cathedral as "the Pajamas", no offense intended. The interior features Carrera marble, Tunisian onyx, and Venetian mosaics.
The remains of the old 12th century cathedral huddle alongside La Major. There is not a lot left of it after Napoleon III's smashing venture. There is a chansel and an apse with smaller apses on the side. The vault is cylindrical with an eight-sided cupola above the transept and a seven-sided cupola above the cross of the transept.
Why You Should Visit:
This is an awesome structure. It declares not so much spiritual glory as it does the past glory of Imperial France. Dominating all around it, it declares power forgotten but never outdone. And besides, admission is free.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Marseille. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Cath茅drale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral) on Map
Sight Name: Cath茅drale de la Major (Marseille Cathedral)
Sight Location: Marseille, France (See walking tours in Marseille)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Marseille, France (See walking tours in Marseille)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Marseille, France
Create Your Own Walk in Marseille
Creating your own self-guided walk in Marseille is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Historical Churches Walking Tour
Marseille's religious scene, albeit diverse, is dominated by Christianity. The Christian presence in the city dates back to ancient times, making it an integral part of local identity. The vibrant Mediterranean port city also has been a significant pilgrimage destination.
The majority of Christians in Marseille are Roman Catholics, whose prevalence is manifested in the form of multiple... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
The majority of Christians in Marseille are Roman Catholics, whose prevalence is manifested in the form of multiple... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.6 Km or 2.2 Miles
Marseille's Old Town
Marseille's Panier (Old Town) is full of history. The nick "Panier" means "basket" and it comes from the 17th-century inn, Le Logis du Panier, that once stood on today's rue du Panier.
Over the course of centuries the cobblestone streets of Marseille's Old Town had been a haven for refugees, criminals, and prostitutes, as well as Resistance fighters, Jews and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Over the course of centuries the cobblestone streets of Marseille's Old Town had been a haven for refugees, criminals, and prostitutes, as well as Resistance fighters, Jews and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.9 Km or 1.8 Miles
Food and Shopping Walk
Shopping in Marseille is a great way to mingle with the locals and immerse in new tastes, scents and customs. As with so much else in this melting-pot of a city, the top-of-the-range stores here rub shoulders with the funky little boutiques, high-street chains with scruffy discount outlets or traditional family groceries and bakeries.
Marseille doesn't have a flagship thoroughfare as such,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Marseille doesn't have a flagship thoroughfare as such,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.8 Km or 1.1 Miles
Marseille Introduction Walking Tour
Marseille was created by immigrants from all around the Mediterranean basin even before the Phocaeans. In about 620 BC a Greek Phoenician galley rowed into a small outlet called Lacydon Creek, looking for trade. They found it. Ligurians occupied the land, and being sort of Greek themselves, they didn't mind doing business.
The leader of the galley people was one called Protis. Protis was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles
The leader of the galley people was one called Protis. Protis was... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles