SW News:

The port city of Marseille is home to some amazing churches which are magnificent edifices built in the Gothic and Byzantine styles. The architectural masterpieces include the Cathedral of Sainte Marie Majeure, which is also known as La Major and is renowned for its unique architecture and emblematic of the city's authority. A prominent symbol of the city, La Major is the lone 19th-century cathedral constructed in France. It is one of the biggest churches in the country and is a splendid example of the Byzantine style. 

St. Nicolas of Myre Church is among the oldest Oriental Catholic churches in the city and it was established in 1821. It belongs to the Greek Melkite Church and it is distinguished by its openness and functions as a bridge between Roman and Eastern Rite Catholics. Another famous church is the Abbey of Saint Victor, which is one of the oldest Catholic churches in the city. Dating back to the Middle Ages, this monastery church is dedicated to Saint Victor the martyr. This church was renowned for the relics of several saints. Sadly, during the chaotic period following the French Revolution, the abbey was desecrated and its relics were burnt while sacred objects were melted to mint coins. After being used for secular purposes for years at a stretch, it was once again refurbished and opened for worship in the 19th century. 

The Reformed Saint-Vincent-de-Paul Church was built between 1855 and 1886. It stands on the site of a convent that once belonged to the Reformed Augustinians. Inspired by the Reims Cathedral, the neo-gothic church's twin spires are one of the not-to-be-missed landmarks in the city. 

Among other historic churches is the Saint Laurent Church, which stands atop a hill overlooking the old port. The historic church was built in the simple Romanesque-Provencal style. It was in the 13th century that it became a parish church for local fishermen. It was plundered during the French Revolution and the bombardment of World War II it suffered significant damage.