Early Modern · Churches

Cathédrale des Saints-Traducteurs of Marseille

Cathédrale des Saints-Traducteurs is an Armenian Apostolic church building on avenue du Prado in the VIII arrondissement of Marseille. It is also known as Sahak I° and Mesrop Mashtots, and its formal name is La cattedrale dei Santi Traduttori. The first stone was laid on 22 February 1928, with funding from Armenian-Belgian businessman Vahan Khorassandjan and the participation of Monsignor Krikor Balakian. The building was designed by architect Aram Tahtadjian, who drew inspiration from the cathedral of Echmiadzin. The church was consecrated on 25 October 1931. In 1973, a monument to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide was unveiled in the garden, adding a commemorative dimension to the site.

Map showing the location of Cathédrale des Saints-Traducteurs in Marseille
Location of Cathédrale des Saints-Traducteurs in Marseille

Location and Identity

The Cathdrale des Saints-Traducteurs de Marseille is an Armenian Apostolic church building. It is also known as La cattedrale dei Santi Traduttori, as well as Sahak I and Mesrop Mashtots. The building is located on avenue du Prado in the VIII arrondissement of Marseille. Its identity is therefore closely tied to both its Armenian Apostolic function and its presence in one of the citys established districts.

Construction and Commemoration

The church was funded by Armenian-Belgian businessman Vahan Khorassandjan, and its first stone was placed on February 22, 1928. Monsignor Krikor Balakian took part in the ceremony, and architect Aram Tahtadjian designed the building with inspiration from the cathedral of Echmiadzin. The church was consecrated on October 25, 1931. In 1973, a monument to the Victims of the Armenian Genocide was unveiled in the garden, adding a memorial dimension to the site.