Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille

Discover the iconic « Bonne Mère » in Marseille and its breathtaking view over all the bay.

 

In 1214, Father Peter got approval to build this Chapel dedicated to Mary on top of the 149-meter «  La Garde » hill located at . In 1536 a fort was built around this Roman chapel to resist the arrival of Charles V. Attendance considerably increased during the Renaissance and a second 100 sq. metre part was built.

 

In 1853, Henri Espérandieu organized the building of the current basilica in a Romano-Byzantine style for example, a magnificent flagstone-mosaic in the upper church, a 41-metre high square bell tower. It was only in 1867, that the grandiose 11.2-metre high guilt-copper statue of the « Virgin and the Child » was installed on its pedestal.  Numerous ex-votos (offerings given to a Saint in order to fulfil a vow) from a Marseille company are still displayed on the walls or hanging between the pillars. There is a wonderful Naive Art collection which really brings out the originality of the cathedral.

At the beginning of the 20th century, it was possible to go up the hill thanks to a cable car. It stopped about 50 years ago.

Since 2001 and after seven years of renovation, the guardian and protector of the Phocaean city is today resplendent. Within the heart of the people of Marseille, the silhouette of the « Bonne Mère » represents Marseille and the expression « Oh ! Bonne Mère ! » is still used.

 

Our charming hotel in Marseille Corniche is an approximate five-minute drive away from the cathedral. It will welcome you warmly with its garden, swimming-pool and restaurant.

 

Practical Information:

Notre Dame de la Garde - Marseille
Rue fort du sanctuaire
13006 Marseille

Phone: +33 4 91 13 40 80

On site : cafeteria and souvenir shop

From the Vieux Port you can either catch a tourist train or the bus 60. 

Discover Marseille and Notre Dame de la Garde as you have never seen it before by watching the Marseille 4K drone video