The soaring facade of Saint-Joseph greets you. Its six Corinthian columns stand tall. They whisper tales of Marseille’s growth in the 19th century.
Saint-Joseph isn’t just a church. It’s a testament to faith and perseverance. Its construction began in 1833. Architect Pascal Coste designed it. He also designed the nearby Saint-Lazare church. The project took a long time. Funding proved difficult. The Bishop Charles-Fortuné de Mazenod initially supported it. He gave 25000 francs. Private donations helped too.
The church’s construction was a community effort. The parish services initially took place in a Greek Catholic chapel. That was until Saint-Joseph was ready. Financial struggles led the city to buy Saint-Joseph in 1855. They paid 240000 francs. That’s a hefty price!
The interior wasn’t immediately complete. The facade remained bare. Orsini painted the interior in 1859. The facade was finished in 1864. Architect Joseph Ferrié oversaw this stage. Émile Aldebert sculpted the details. The cost was 70000 francs.
Even the final touches took time. The paintings in the side chapels were only finished in 1925. The grand pipe organ arrived in 1868. It was made by Aristide Cavaillé-Coll. He also made the organ in Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris. This is an interesting fact to know.
Saint-Joseph has a rich artistic heritage. The high altar is from 1897. It’s made of polychrome marble. It is the work of Jules Cantini. Louis Sainte-Marie-Perrin designed it. The church houses a trove of artistic treasures. There are paintings by Orsini. There are also frescoes by Varade and Sari. There are also several chapels dedicated to various saints.
Over the years Saint-Joseph faced challenges. In recent years the church closed. Structural problems emerged. Extensive roof repairs happened between 2006 and 2008. However problems continued. The church reopened in 2023. Repairs continue. The Association des Amis de Saint-Joseph raises funds for this restoration.
Saint-Joseph stands as a symbol of Marseille’s history. It’s a place of worship. It’s also a work of art. It’s a place where faith and community have intertwined for almost two centuries. Take a moment to appreciate its beauty and the stories it holds within its walls.