Vieille Major
Marseille Cathedral, also known as La Major, is a Roman Catholic cathedral and minor basilica located in Marseille, France. It is the seat of the Archdiocese of Marseille and one of the largest cathedrals in the country, notable for its immense scale and its construction on a site used for cathedrals since the 5th century.
Key Facts
- ›The current cathedral, the "Nouvelle Major," was built on an enormous scale in the Byzantine and Roman Revival styles.
- ›Construction of the present cathedral began with the laying of the foundation stone by Emperor Napoleon III in 1852 and was completed in 1896.
- ›It is one of the largest cathedrals in France, measuring 142 meters in length and with a main cupola reaching 70 meters high.
- ›The site has been used for cathedrals in Marseille since the 5th century.
- ›The older, much smaller Romanesque cathedral, built in the 12th century, is partially preserved and commonly referred to as the "Vieille Major."
- ›Marseille Cathedral has a capacity of 3,000 seats and covers a total area of 7,680 square meters.
- Immense Scale
- Byzantine and Roman Revival Architecture
- Remnants of the 12th-Century Romanesque Cathedral
LéOn Vaudoyer, Henri-Jacques EspéRandieu
About Vieille Major
Marseille Cathedral
Marseille Cathedral, officially known as Cathédrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille and often referred to as La Major, is a prominent Roman Catholic cathedral situated in the city of Marseille, France. It holds the distinction of being the seat of the Archdiocese of Marseille and was granted the status of a minor basilica in 1896. The cathedral is renowned for its grand scale, making it one of the largest in France, and is built upon a site that has served as the location for cathedrals since the 5th century.
History and Construction
The history of cathedrals at this location spans over a millennium. The earlier, much smaller cathedral, built in the 12th century in a simple Romanesque style, is partially preserved and commonly known as the "Vieille Major." In the 1850s, two bays of this old nave were demolished to make way for the construction of the "Nouvelle Major." The foundation stone for the present, colossal structure was laid by Emperor Napoleon III in 1852. Designed by architects Léon Vaudoyer and Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, the new cathedral was built on an enormous scale, featuring Byzantine and Roman Revival architectural styles. The first service was held in 1893, with the cathedral being completed in 1896 and consecrated in 1897.
Architecture and Features
The present Marseille Cathedral is a monumental edifice, measuring 142 meters in length. Its striking main cupola reaches a height of 70 meters. The cathedral's design reflects the grandeur of the Byzantine and Roman Revival periods. With a seating capacity of 3,000, it is one of the largest cathedrals in France, covering a total area of 7,680 square meters. The older Vieille Major consists of the choir and one bay of the nave, representing a significant historical architectural contrast to the newer building.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Vieille Major and La Major?
Vieille Major refers to the remaining parts of the older, much smaller 12th-century Romanesque cathedral in Marseille. La Major, or Nouvelle Major, is the current, vastly larger cathedral built in the 19th century on the same site.
When was Marseille Cathedral built?
The foundation stone for the present Marseille Cathedral, known as the Nouvelle Major, was laid in 1852. The first service was held in 1893, and it was completed in 1896.
What architectural styles are present in Marseille Cathedral?
The present cathedral, the Nouvelle Major, was built in the Byzantine and Roman Revival styles. The older Vieille Major is in the Romanesque style.
How large is Marseille Cathedral?
Marseille Cathedral is one of the largest in France, measuring 142 meters in length and with its main cupola at a height of 70 meters. It has a capacity for 3,000 seats and covers 7,680 square meters.
What is the significance of the site of Marseille Cathedral?
The site of Marseille Cathedral has been used for religious purposes, specifically for cathedrals, since the 5th century, indicating a long history of Christian presence and worship in the location.
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Marseille Cathedral
Marseille Cathedral, also known as La Major, is a Roman Catholic cathedral located in Marseille, France, and a national monument. It exists in two parts: a surviving 12th-century Romanesque choir and nave bay, and a much larger 19th-century structure built in Byzantine and Roman Revival styles. The current cathedral, consecrated in 1897, is one of the largest in France and serves as the seat of the Archdiocese of Marseille.
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