Our first stop is the magnificent Marseille Cathedral, also known as La Major. The construction of this cathedral was a highly symbolic project. In the mid-nineteenth century, Marseille was a booming economic powerhouse, the primary port of France, and a gateway to the East. The city wanted a cathedral that reflected this power and prestige. The first stone was laid by none other than Emperor Napoleon the third and it took over forty years to finish construction. The scale was intentionally monumental, designed to rival Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome and be one of the largest cathedrals in the world, capable of holding up to three thousand people. Its strategic location at the entrance to the port meant it was one of the first things ships from across the globe would see, a powerful statement of Marseille's importance. What many visitors don't realize is that when you visit La Major, you are actually seeing two cathedrals occupying the same site. You will see the crumbling remains of an older building nearby. This is a small part of the original medieval cathedral that still stands right next to its colossal successor. Built in a Romanesque style using pink stone from local quarries, this smaller structure was the city's cathedral for centuries. It was mostly demolished to make way for La Major, but Napoleon spared a small part of it after locals protested its destruction. Architecturally, the cathedral comprises Romanesque and Byzantine styles, making it one of the most unique and beautiful cathedrals in France. The two different types of stone used in the façade give the impression of stripes, and in fact many Marseille locals refer to the cathedral as ‘The Pyjamas’. Personally, I can’t decide if that’s an affectionate nickname or a scathing reminder that the locals preferred their original cathedral. Entry to the cathedral is free, so I do recommend you head inside for a look around, if it is open. You will be greeted by a grand interior decorated with mosaics, intricate sculptures and archways. The mosaic floors are particularly impressive, and the stained-glass windows cast light into the interior. Stepping back outside, let us head to the picturesque Le Panier neighborhood. I’ve marked a point on the map that is one of the many streets in this neighborhood. You can listen to the stop as you walk.