Notre-Dame

Introduction

Notre-Dame de la Garde is the iconic religious building and highest point of Marseille, France. This Neo-Byzantine church built 1853-1864 stands on a limestone hill ~150 m above the Vieux-Port, crowned by an 11.2 m gilded Virgin Mary statue overlooking Marseille Bay — affectionately called "La Bonne Mère" (the Good Mother) by the people of Marseille, patron of sailors and spiritual symbol of the city. Designed by Esperandieu in Neo-Byzantine style — Romanesque lower, Byzantine upper — with green-and-white Florentine striped marble and gilded domes. The bell tower is topped by the 11.2 m gilded Virgin — visible far out at sea, a beacon for sailors returning home. The interior dome is decorated with gold leaf and mosaics; model ships hang below — offerings from sailors thanking the Virgin for safe return. The plaza before the church offers 360° views of Vieux-Port, the city and the Mediterranean. Visiting to overlook Marseille Bay and the Mediterranean under the golden gaze of the "Good Mother" is a stirring, warm summit experience in Marseille.

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