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ORATORIES
Dependent until the Revolution on the Bishops of Marseilles, the commune of Cassis has always been a very religious one. The modern city preserves many testimonies of this spiritual life, of which the shrines or 'oratories' that line the streets of Cassis are fine examples. Often located on a roadside or an enclosing wall, there are 11 oratories still visible in Cassis today. Built out of carved stone or in masonry and featuring an ogivale niche and a pointed, or sometimes semicircular arch, they are generally surmounted by a wrought iron cross. Some still house a statue which testifies to a particular devotion: Oratory of the Virgin Mary, Oratory of Holy Mary-Magdelene, Oratory of the Child of Jesus, Oratory of Saint Joseph, Oratory of Saint Antoine de Padoue, Oratory of Saint Charles Borromée, Oratory of Saint Lazare, Oratory of Saint Vincent, Oratory of Saint-Luke.
THE CHAPELS
Of the dozen chapels which still existed in Cassis at the 19th century, only four remain today.
The Chapelle de l'Hôtel de Ville: located on the first floor of the building (behind the Mayor's office) dates back to 1649 and holds a richly decorated ceiling. The altar stone supports an ancient crucifix. This chapel is listed in the register of Historic monuments. It is only possible to visit this site on 'des journées du Patrimoine' or specific days during the year when, across France, sites of cultural importance open their doors to the public.
The Saint-Anne Chapel : located on the 'rue de Belloy' was built after 1870. It is only possible to visit this site on 'des journées du Patrimoine' or specific days during the year when, across France, sites of cultural importance open their doors to the public.
The Chapel of the Holy-Cross of Jerusalem : surrounded by pine trees at the north-eastern entrance to Cassis, was first built in the 18th century. Destroyed during the revolution it was rebuilt between 1850 - 1852. Today the chapel is closed to the public although it is opened each year to pilgrims for a religious ceremony on September 14th during the time of 'the exaltation of the Holy-Cross festival'.
The Chapel of Port-Miou : This small building was built in 1649 and was dedicated to the Virgin Mary under the name of Notre-Dame de Santé following the successful containment of an outbreak of a palgue. In 1720, it became the place of an annual pilgrimage on the first Sunday in July following a new, and much more widespread epidemic. Sold during the Revolution and gradually left to ruin, it was demolished in 1847 in favour of a neighbouring quarry. Rebuilt in 1848 but poorly maintained, it was left in a sorry state of repair until one hundred years later an association took it on themselves to carry out a full restoration project which took approximately 20 years.
Procession du voeu : Takes place every 1st Sunday in July in the Procession du voeu area from 4.00 a.m. to sunrise.
THE CHURCH
Officially inaugurated in 1875, the church is devoted to Saint Michel, Notre Dame of the Sea and Saint Roch. Historically, it was the third church built in Cassis. Built out of Cassis stone in neo-Roman style, it has three naves, is 32 x 18m and has 400 seated places. Restored in 1958, the cupola has been recently restored to it's original state.