Description
Discover Toulon Cathedral, located in the heart of the old town. Its blend of architectural styles—the result of its expansion in the 17th century—makes it unique.
Founded in the 5th century, the cathedral was built in 1096 following a vow made by the Count of Provence as he set out on a crusade.
Expanded in width and reoriented to run north-south between 1654 and 1659, it welcomed Louis XIV during his visit to Toulon and remained a central part of the religious life of Toulon’s residents until the Revolution. Also noteworthy is a beautiful Baroque-style altarpiece of the Blessed Sacrament, the work of Christophe Veyrier.
Restored to religious use in 1802 as a parish church, it underwent multiple restorations under the direction of architect Revoil. It regained its status as a cathedral in 1958, when the episcopal see was transferred from Fréjus.
Restored several times, it was damaged in 1793 and subsequently rebuilt.
It was returned to religious use in 1802 after having been converted into a military warehouse and salt storehouse.
It was consecrated as a cathedral by apostolic decree in 1855.
