Église Notre-Dame de La Ciotat, Historical monument and Catholic church in La Ciotat, France
The Église Notre-Dame de La Ciotat stands in the centre of La Ciotat near the old port. The building is a Catholic church listed as a monument historique inscrit. Its plan has three naves separated by sturdy stone pillars, with thick stone walls, and the choir holds an 18th-century altar with carved woodwork.
The church dates back to at least the 14th century, when a small chapel stood inside a fortified tower while La Ciotat was still part of the parish of Ceyreste. In 1429 the town became its own parish, and the building was enlarged between the early 16th century and 1625, then officially consecrated in 1678.
The church is dedicated to Notre-Dame, and its parish status dates from 1429, when La Ciotat separated from Ceyreste. The 1975 three-panel fresco by Gilbert Ganteaume fills the apse area and depicts biblical scenes of liberation and salvation; the painter shares his surname with the Quai Ganteaume outside.
The church sits on Quai Ganteaume at the edge of the old port, making it easy to reach on foot from the town center. There is no parking directly in front, but spaces are available a short walk away, and the surrounding streets are simple to navigate.
A crucifix attributed to Jean Bologne, a pupil of Michelangelo, disappeared after World War II and was found by a fisherman in the sea off La Ciotat. Local architects restored it free of charge, and it was returned to the church in 2005.
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