Notre-Dame de la Garde

Sheltering splendor, history and beauty of the Middle-Ages, the Notre-Dame de la Garde, the « Good Mother » of the Marseille population, is a true keeper of the city of Marseille. Considered as the protector of marines, fishermen and of the whole Marseille population, it is an emblematic figure in the town.

Like its name suggest, the hill known as La Garde (in English: the Guard) was an observation post. Moreover, Charles II d’Anjou ordered to put in the relay list. It was a significant refuge to protect Marseille from the armies of Charles Quint. Established in September 1870, the campanile supports a monumental statue of the Madonna realized by the sculptor Lequesne, made of golden bronze with golden sheet by the workshops Christofle in Paris.

In 1864, in a Romano-Byzantine style conceived by the famous architect Henri Espérandieu, this majestic edifice is one of the most privileged catholic church that has received a honorific title given by the pope « minor basilica ». It has inherited of the chapel of the same name that was edified in 1214 and reconstructed in the 15th century. Built of the bases of a fort of the 16th century, constructed by François 1er in 1536, the basilica is conceived on two levels: the crypt of roman aspect is dug on the rock and on the superior level is found the high church, adorned in mosaic.

Of a height of 41 meters, the squared bell tower is overcome by a sort of 12.5 meters high tower used as pedestal. On its summit, there is the impressive 11. 2 meters high statue of the Virgin and Child built in gilded copper sheet. The sacred art museum opened in 2013 retraces the history of the basilica.

Notre-Dame de la Garde celebrates its 800 years with selected theme « Marie la grâce de la rencontre ». During your stay at Marseille, do visit and admire the top of the hill and the panorama provided. You will keep a romantic memories.

Address: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, 13281 Marseille

Bontourism®, the Art of Traveling to Notre-Dame de la Garde​