Église of Saint-Ferréol les Augustins (Church of Saint Ferreol)

Church in Marseille

Eglise Saint-Ferreol Les Augustins — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Georges Seguin (Okki)

The Church of Saint Ferreol in Marseille is a Roman Catholic church steeped in rich history. Originally under the ownership of the Knights Templar, the church was handed over to a community of Augustinian hermits in 1369. Driven by a commitment to their faith, these hermits began constructing a new church in 1447, which was consecrated in 1542, though its vault was not completed until 1588.

Throughout the Ancien Régime, from the 15th to the 18th century, the church was a venue for professional ceremonies. Ship-porters dedicated altars to Saint Peter and Saint Paul as early as 1390. A historical highlight occurred when Pope Clement VII officiated the marriage of Catherine de’ Medici and Henry II of France within its walls on October 28, 1533. Despite nearly being destroyed during the French Revolution, the church survived and underwent several ownership changes, including a brief renaming after Saint Augustine, before being restored to the Catholic Church.

Architecturally, the Church of Saint Ferreol is notable for its grand altars, crafted by Dominique Fossaty, and houses important family tombs, including those of the Mazenod family from 1564 and the Montolieu family from 1695. It also safeguards relics of Saint Louis of Toulouse (1274–1297).

Artistically, the church is home to three paintings by Michel Serre (1658-1733), depicting Sainte Marguerite, La Vierge à l’enfant apparaissant à Saint Pierre, and Saint Paul. It also features sculptures by Raymond Servian (1903-1953) of Saint Ferréol de Vienne and Saint Augustine, along with works by Élie-Jean Vézien (1890-1982) and Louis Botinelly (1883-1962) depicting Saint Theresa and Joan of Arc, respectively. Yves le Pape added a sculpture of the Holy Family in 1979.

Completing the church’s array of treasures is its neogothic pipe organ, designed by Augustin Zieger in 1844, which enhances the spiritual ambiance of this venerable place of worship.

The Église of Saint-Ferréol les Augustins (Church of Saint Ferreol) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marseille!

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