Église Saint-Cannat (Saint Cannat Church)

Church in Marseille

Marseille église Saint-Cannat — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Marianne Casamance

The Église Saint-Cannat is a Roman Catholic church located in the 1st arrondissement of Marseille, one of the city’s 16 districts. This majestic church is dedicated to Saint Canus Natus, a revered French Roman Catholic saint from the fifth century. Its construction began on December 31, 1526, and the church was consecrated on May 18, 1619. The facade, designed by the prominent architect Joseph Gérard, was constructed between 1739 and 1744, enhancing its architectural elegance.

Inside, visitors can admire several significant works of art. Notably, the church houses two paintings by Michel Serre (1658-1733)—”The Virgin and Child” and “Purification of the Virgin.” Additionally, “The Baptism of Christ” by Pierre Parrocel (1664–1739) is another important artwork displayed within. The church also features a beautiful sculpture of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux, crafted by François Carli (1872-1957).

Another highlight is the church’s impressive pipe organ, dating from 1747, designed by the renowned organ builder Jean-Esprit Isnard (1707-1781). This organ adds to the rich, musical ambiance of the church.

Reflecting its historical and cultural importance, the Église Saint-Cannat has been listed as a Monument historique since November 2, 1926, safeguarding its legacy for future generations.

The Église Saint-Cannat (Saint Cannat Church) appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Marseille!

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