Notre-Dame de la Garde, Byzantine Revival basilica on Garde Hill, Marseille, France
Notre-Dame de la Garde is a basilica on a hilltop in Marseille, built in the Byzantine style and standing above the Mediterranean Sea. The marble bell tower supports a large gilded statue of the Virgin Mary, visible from the water and from nearly every part of the city.
A small chapel stood at this spot since 1214, built by a priest named Pierre to place sailors under his protection. The present basilica was completed in the mid-19th century following plans by architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, who gave it the pronounced Romano-Byzantine appearance.
The name means Our Lady of the Guard and refers to the basilica's position high above the harbor, where it has served as a landmark for sailors for centuries. The many small votive plaques on the walls show ships in distress, words of thanks and images of those who were saved, expressing their bond with the sea and faith.
The ascent can be made on foot from the old harbor, with the steep path taking around half an hour and sturdy shoes recommended. Those who prefer not to walk can take bus line 60 or arrive by car and find parking near the site.
The interior contains large-scale mosaics made of around 12 million individual pieces, depicting scenes from the life of Mary and various religious motifs. The walls show alternating layers of green and white stone, giving the space a rhythmic structure.
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