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Walking the Best Religious Sites of Marseille, Marseille
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Walking the Best Religious Sites of Marseille
Guide Location: France » Marseille
Guide Type: Self-guided city tour
# of Attractions: 7
Tour Duration: 2 hour(s)
Transportation Mode: by foot
Travel Distance: 5.7 km
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and MickaëlG
Author: kane
Marseille is rich in sacred places, religious sights and buildings. Most of them represent Roman-Byzantine style and wouldn’t leave you indifferent. Often their interior is decorated with inlaid marble, mosaics and murals.
Tour Stops and Attractions
Cathédrale de la Major (Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure)
1) Cathédrale de la Major (Basilique Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure)
Cathédrale de la Major is a Roman-Byzantine Catholic cathedral and a national monument of France. It has been a basilica minor since 1896. With a capacity of 3,000, it is the largest cathedral in France since the Middle Ages. The marble slabs, impressive porphyry columns and mosaics inside reflect the cathedral's true splendor, complemented by magnificent altars from the 12th and 15th centuries, and earthenware from the Della Robbia workshop.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and FaceMePLS
Chapelle Sainte Catherine
2) Chapelle Sainte Catherine
Chapelle Sainte Catherine is a splendid sanctuary dating back to the 17th century. As you enter the chapel, you will see an amazing set of tapestries that beautify the building. In addition to its religious purposes, Chapelle Sainte Catherine is known to hold occasional classical and choral concerts.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Randy OHC
Eglise Saint-Laurent
3) Eglise Saint-Laurent
A Roman-Provincial church constructed in the 12th century, Eglise Saint-Laurent is a gorgeous Catholic church that, together with the Saint Catherine chapel, withstood the destruction of the Saint-Jean district during the German occupation. The church possesses different works of art from the late Gothic period, found only in Marseille.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and didier.bier
Eglise Saint Charles
4) Eglise Saint Charles
Eglise Saint Charles is a fine example of neoclassical architecture. It was first erected in 1826 and later underwent a number of renovations. The church has an exceptional organ, and classical concerts take place here daily.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and Lel4nd
Abbaye St. Victor
5) Abbaye St. Victor
The Abbaye St. Victor is the oldest church in Marseille. It was founded in the 5th century as a monastery on the site of a Christian martyr's tomb. The church is an impressive monument because of its fortress-like appearance. You can view a number of sarcophagi at the extensive crypt and catacombs at the Abbaye St-Victor, which are open to the public.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and maarjaara
Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
6) Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde
This distinctive Roman-Byzantine church is located at the highest point of the city on the south side of the Old Port. Being the most important local sight, it is a site of pilgrimage every year. Dedicated to the Virgin Mary, it is topped by a monumental gilded bronze statue of the Virgin and Child, visible across much of the city and for miles out at sea. The interior is decorated with inlaid marble, mosaics and murals.
Image Courtesy of Wikimedia and MickaëlG
Eglise du Sacré-Coeur
7) Eglise du Sacré-Coeur
The church was built between 1920 and 1947. You will notice a mixture of Roman-Byzantine and eclectic styles. In June, the ‘magistrate's vows’ remain a tradition here. Inside, the sublime marble, granite, mosaics and stained-glass windows mix well. A Pietà (Virgin) signed by the sculptor Louis Botinelly and stained-glass windows by Henri Pinta make it well worth the visit.
Image Courtesy of Flickr and hoyasmeg
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