Marseille: Cathedral de la Major, Photographic Narrative

The Cathedral de la Major Marseille France is one of the most important national monuments in France. Its full name in French is the Cathedrale Sainte-Marie-Majeure de Marseille. The cathedral received the designation of basilica minor from the Roman Catholic Church in 1896 and is currently the seat of the Archdiocese of Marseille. The Marseille Cathedral that we see today was constructed primarily between 1852 and 1896 on a site that had been used for various cathedrals in the city of Marseille as long ago as the fifth century.

When we got off the bus from the port to the city, the cathedral was the first thing we saw of Marseilles. Funny, but I had been reading up on things to do in Marseilles before the cruise and while the cathedral had been mentioned, it was the other cathedral that was given more mention. Of the course the other cathedral is Notre Dame of Marseilles and its hilltop location did not hurt either.

EXTERIOR

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First sighting, the back part.

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INTERIOR

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THE DOOR

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This is the view from the church. Vieux Port is a short walk to the left.

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Looking back at spectacular architecture that took my breath away as we walked away towards the Vieux Port (Old Port). This cathedral had left me tongue tied. Everything about its design spoke to me, touched me. The patterns on the tiled flooring, the ornate ceilings, the stained glass windows, the feel of old and historic. It's almost too much to absorb at one time. In the end, we opted to see only one church and this was it; we skipped Notre Dame for future visit (wishful thinking).


OUR WORLD TUESDAY

Comments

  1. very nice as always. still in my bucket list...i've slowed down but didn't stop. will pick up pace in a few years again :)

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  2. I did not visit the cathedral, and Notre Dame was closed because they were doing work inside. Thank you for sharing the inside...magnificent. I love the name Marseilles. It is my French father’s middle name - Eugene Marseille Hornot - and m son’s name ~ Eugene Marseilles Hornot Robinson. I am so very very proud of my French heritage,

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  3. What an amazing building. You have taken some excellent photos.

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  4. It's very beautiful ... Awe inspiring as Cathedrals were meant to be.

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  5. That's a beautiful cathedral, very inspiring.

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  6. Beautiful cathedral. The architecture is amazing.

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  7. What a beautiful cathedral! I can see why you were mesmerized by it! You took such beautiful photos of it.

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  8. So very very gorgeous! I love that red door.

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  9. Oh my - that's astounding!
    Thank you for linking up at http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/11/sunset-on-bay.html

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  10. Hi! Nice collection of the cathedral photos. The view from the church is very beautiful too. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. Hi! Nice collection of the cathedral photos. The view from the church is very beautiful too. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. This is a superior collection of pictures of this outstanding building inside and out.

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  13. Hello, the cathedral is beautiful. Lovely views from the outside and the gorgeous interior. Great photos. Have a happy week!

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  14. Dearest Photo Chache; Wow, what a great Cathedral and wonderful pictures you shared for us; wish I could see with my own eyes♡♡♡
    Thank you SO much for your visits and so sorry for my absence, Dear friend.
    Hope you'll have a wonderful week ahead♪
    Sending Lots of Love and Hugs from Japan to my Dear friend, xoxo Miyako*


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  15. BEautiful! I really love old churches! The details given to its exterior and interior facade is always very remarkable.

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  16. I know it only from far away when I land in Marseille to visit my friend. It's a very imposing church !

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  17. Oh! So very beautiful and grand. Hope to visit soon!

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  18. Fantastic photos of this gorgeous cathedral. Great post!

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  19. Beautiful collection of photos with such interesting details and aspects captured lovely by your camera lens!! A lovely day to you!

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  20. Very nice images of this imposing Cathedral, beautiful architecture, interesting details. Thanks for sharing!

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  21. This is one of the things I love about Europe: in each city you have an opportunity to visit an architectural masterpiece. This cathedral is awesome. I really enjoy tiled places.

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  22. Amazing architecture - what a feast for the eyes!
    Hope to see you at this week's Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday):
    http://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2015/11/chicago.html

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