Église Saint-Ferréol les Augustins

The church building is located on the Old Port of Marseille.[1] The exact address is Quai des Belges, 13001 Marseille.[2]

The original building on site was owned by the Knights Templar.[3] However, in 1369, it was given to a community of Augustinian hermits.[3][4] By 1447, they decided to spearhead the construction a new church building.[1] It was dedicated in 1542, even though the vault was only completed in 1588.[1][3]

During the Ancien Régime (15th century to 18th century), it was used for professional ceremonies.[3] For example, ship-porters had their own altars in the church as early as 1390: one dedicated to Saint Peter, and a second one to Saint Paul.[3]

Pope Clement VII (1478–1534) married his niece, Catherine de' Medici (1519–1589), to Henry II of France (1519–1559), in this church on October 28, 1533.[1]

During the French Revolution of 1789, it came close to being destroyed.[3] However, it was salvaged.[3] Shortly after, it was renamed in honour of Saint Augustine.[3] Later, it was sold to a businessman.[3] Later, it was returned to the Catholic Church.[3]

The facade was destroyed in 1801, due to construction work on the street, and it was rebuilt in 1875.[3] In 1803, it was named in honour of Saint Ferréol de Vienne, a Roman Catholic martyr from the 3rd century who was the namesake of another church in Marseille which was destroyed during the French Revolution.[3]

The high altar was designed by Dominique Fossaty, as were the altars of the Augustinians and of the ship-porters.[3] Inside the church can also be found the Mazenod family's tomb dating back to 1564 and the Montolieu family's tomb, dating back to 1695.[3] The relics of Saint Louis of Toulouse (1274–1297) are also in the church.[3]

The church has a few works of art. Three paintings by Michel Serre (1658-1733) are displayed inside the church: Sainte Marguerite, La Vierge à l'enfant apparaissant à Saint Pierre and Saint Paul.[3] There is also a bust of Saint Ferréol de Vienne. Additionally, there is a sculpture of Saint Augustine designed by Raymond Servian (1903-1953).[3] Another sculpture, by Élie-Jean Vézien (1890-1982), represents Saint Theresa. Yet another sculpture, this time by Louis Botinelly (1883-1962), is of Joan of Arc.[3] A more recently sculpture, designed by Yves le Pape in 1979, depicts the Holy Family.[3]

The neogothic pipe organ, designed by Augustin Zieger, dates back to 1844.[3]

The church building is open every weekday from 9AM to 6:30PM.[2] Mass is said every weekday at 12PM and 6PM, every Saturday at 6PM, every Sunday at 9:30AM, 11AM and 7PM.[2]

• List of works by Louis Botinelly