Atop the hill stands the remarkable Eglise Saint-Louis. Its unusual architecture beckons. It’s a sight unlike any other in Marseille.
The Traverse de l’Eglise Saint-Louis leads directly to this architectural marvel. This unassuming street holds a key to understanding the church’s unique story. It’s a story of growth industrial expansion and unwavering faith.
Before the current Eglise Saint-Louis a smaller church served the Saint-Louis neighborhood. This 18th-century structure stood on what is now Place Charles Susini. It could only hold 300 worshippers. The area’s rapid industrial growth after World War I made it too small. Soap factories sugar refineries and mills transformed the landscape. The Catholic population grew but the church couldn’t keep up.
Bishop Maurice-Louis Dubourg saw the need. He appointed Abbe Gabriel Pourtal to build a new church. Pourtal needed land. A parishioner generously donated a 1100-square-meter plot. The odd pentagonal shape challenged the architect. Jean-Louis Sourdeau’s innovative design made the most of the space.
Construction began in 1933. Sourdeau used reinforced concrete a modern material for the time. He cleverly incorporated this material into the exterior sculptures. Carlo Sarrabezolles’s technique of carving directly into wet concrete made it possible. The imposing 9-meter-high Archangel Gabriel on the bell tower was finished in just six hours. The facade’s 6.5-meter-high Christ is just as impressive. The inscription below reads “Love is stronger than death” in French not Latin. A unique detail that reflects the church’s connection to its community.
The church opened in 1935. It’s a testament to the collaboration between faith and modern architecture. The interior too boasts unique features. Sculptures by Francois Carli and Louis Botinelly add to the sanctuary’s beauty. The Stations of the Cross painted by Jacques Martin-Ferrières are another highlight. Despite water damage these frescoes were restored in 2016. The vibrant stained glass windows also tell a story. They depict scenes from the life of Saint Louis. A beautiful and inspiring way to connect the past to the present. The Eglise Saint-Louis and the Traverse de l’Eglise Saint-Louis are a must-see in Marseille. A unique example of how faith can shape a community’s identity.