Saint-Michel Church and its architecture
A little out of town, the Saint Michel Church is located at 1 place de l'Archange in the Camas district, in the 5th arrondissement of Marseille. It is famous for its sacred music festival.
The Saint-Michel parish, founded in 1848, wanted a cult spot. Built by the Marseille architect Pierre Marius Bérengier, it is the first neo-Gothic church built in the city. To finance the work, the Parish organized a lottery event approved by Napoleon III. Once the sum spent, the city decided to take over the purchase of the property and part of the construction. The first stone was laid in 1850 and the construction ended in 1864 with the laying of its façade, which remained relatively simple. There were no statues or ornaments on it, suggesting that it was unfinished. The stained glass windows inside are worth a look. They were created by Master Glassmaker Émile Thibaut de Clermont.
The façade is 33 metres high, 60 metres long and 30 metres wide and the canopies extend over 300 meters. The stained glass window at the heart of the Saint-Michel Church is impressive: its 18 metres high is divided into 5 paintings. We can see the miracles of Jesus such as the multiplication of breads, the healing of the paralyzed or the blessing to the children. You can also see the Eucharist and the keys handed over to Saint Peter. Above the organ, a stained glass window depicts Saint Michael surrounded by angels.
Although it is not classified as a historical monument, it remains a vestige of Marseille's history.
While visiting the Saint Michel Church, you can admire Abbot Meistre's tomb, the first priest of the parish, as well as the great organ, which attracts many visitors. The calm and serenity of the monument make it a perfect place to pray in Marseille.
The Marseille church offers masses on Sundays and during the week.
