Marseille Cathedral, known formally as the Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure, is a 19th-century cathedral in Marseille, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of France. It is built in a Romano-Byzantine style and stands out on the city skyline, with its distinctive striped marble facade and its massive dome.
What to look out for
- The striped facade, whose banded marble gives the building its recognisable look from across the city.
- The dome, which dominates the skyline and makes the cathedral easy to spot from many parts of Marseille.
- The views over the Old Port and the Mediterranean Sea, which the site is known for.
Planning a visit
The cathedral suits visitors who enjoy architecture and city views, and it works well as a stop on a walk through the historic centre and the waterfront. Because the views over the Old Port and the sea are one of its main draws, it is a good place to pause and take in the layout of the city and the coastline below.
Marseille itself is France's second-largest city and a major Mediterranean port, so the cathedral sits within an area full of harbour life, cafés and neighbourhoods to explore on foot. Visitors who want to combine the cathedral with the port and the surrounding streets will find plenty within easy reach.