Originally owned by the Knights Templar, this church, which faces the Old Port of Marseilles, was given to a community of Augustinian hermits in 1369. By 1447, the “new” owners began construction of a newer church, which would be primarily used for professional ceremonies [for example, ship porters - dock personnel that made sure your luggage was loaded onto the ship - had their own altars].
Henry II of France was married to Catherine de Medici within this church during 1533, officiated by Pope Clement VII. The church came close to being destroyed during the French Revolution, but, in the end, was saved.. Shortly afterwards, the building was sold to a businessman who used it as a warehouse. Eventually, the building was returned to the Catholic Church.
In 1801, during construction of the street in front of the building, the. Church’s facade was destroyed (it was rebuilt 74 years later). By 1803, the church had been renamed in honor of Saint Ferreol de Vienne, a Christian military Tribune who was martyred in 303 AD.
Today, in addition to being an active religious structure, the Church of St. Ferreol Les Augustines is an important tourist attraction in Marseilles. Included within the building are the tombs of the Mazenod Family (dating from 1564) and of the Montolieu family (dating to 1655) as well as a number of statues and artworks.
Henry II of France was married to Catherine de Medici within this church during 1533, officiated by Pope Clement VII. The church came close to being destroyed during the French Revolution, but, in the end, was saved.. Shortly afterwards, the building was sold to a businessman who used it as a warehouse. Eventually, the building was returned to the Catholic Church.
In 1801, during construction of the street in front of the building, the. Church’s facade was destroyed (it was rebuilt 74 years later). By 1803, the church had been renamed in honor of Saint Ferreol de Vienne, a Christian military Tribune who was martyred in 303 AD.
Today, in addition to being an active religious structure, the Church of St. Ferreol Les Augustines is an important tourist attraction in Marseilles. Included within the building are the tombs of the Mazenod Family (dating from 1564) and of the Montolieu family (dating to 1655) as well as a number of statues and artworks.
Facing the inner part of the Old Port of Marseilles is the Church of Saint Ferreol Les Augustines. Its famous white facade was rebuilt in 1875.
An 1890 photo of the church a few years after its facade had been replaced.
Originally the property of the Knights Templar, in 1369, ownership was transferred to a community of Augustinian hermits/monks.
One of the main features of the church is this high altar, designed by French artist/sculpture, Dominique Fossati
This carved wooden pulpit dates from the 18th century and is listed as a national monument.
Early baptismal fonts, such as this one in the Church of St. Ferreol Les Augtines, were often carved from marble or other decorative stone and just as often highly ornamental.
Ferreol was a Christian who was forcibly recruited into the Roman army and eventually served as a military tribune in Vienna. Imprisoned for his outward showing of his faith, he escaped by swimming across the Rhône River, but was quickly captured by Roman soldiers and massacred.
Augustinian side chapel within the Church of St. Ferreol.
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