Things to do in Marseille – Visit the Church on the Hill Notre-Dame de la Garde

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View from Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

The Church of Notre Dame de la Garde sits high up on the hill overlooking the Old Port. This magnificent minor basilica is one of the top attractions in Marseille and it’s worth making the trip up there just for the view alone.

Layout Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

Built in the 19th century, the church stands on the site of a 13th century chapel and the foundations of a 16th century fort, remnants of which can still be seen at the base of the church.  Notable figures imprisoned in the fortress include members of the Bourbon family who were held here in the late 18th century.

Drawbridge and Facade Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

The building features a striking exterior of green and white striped stonework, an impressive bell tower topped by a gleaming, gilded statue of Our Lady, four trumpeting angels at her feet, statues of Isaiah and Saint John near the main entrance, and a drawbridge.

Drawbridge Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

Climb the main stairs and cross the drawbridge to enter the crypt,

Model of Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

which houses a rather sizable model of the church and several statues, including:

Statues of Bishop Mazenod and Pope Pius IX in Crypt Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

Bishop Eugene de Mazenod and Pope Pius IX – both attributed to 19th century sculptor Joseph-Marius Ramus.

Crypt Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

La Vierge au bouquet (Madonna of the Bouquet) – located behind the altar, this statue (a gift to the church from a former sailor) depicts the Madonna holding a bouquet of flowers.

Stairs from Crypt Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

From the crypt, take the inside stairs up to the sanctuary, or if you prefer head back outside and take the exterior stairs.

Nave Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

The colorful interior of the church features marble and sandstone mosaics on the floor,

Ceiling Lantern Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

exquisite glass mosaics on the walls and ceiling, red and white striped arches and columns, and several side chapels filled with votive offerings (a collection that totals over 2000 items).  Some of the more interesting items and decorative features include:

Bishop Cruice Coat of Arms Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

Episcopal Coats of Arms – decorating the walls are several mosaic medallions depicting the shields of high-ranking church officials; two near the main entrance represent 19th century Bishops of Marseille.

The Brown Madonna Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

Notre Dame la Brune – this alabaster statue of ‘the Brown Madonna’, located to the left of the church entrance, is a replica of a 13th century wooden statue.

La Vierge de Chanuel Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

La Vierge de Chanuel – created in the 19th century as a replacement to one melted down during the Revolution, this silver statue, named for its creator and weighing in at just over 175 lbs, stands above the main altar.

Votive Offerings in Side Chapel Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

Votive Offerings – given as a sign of gratitude to Notre Dame de la Garde these items include marble plaques; military medals; flags and banners, such as the flag of General de Monsabert, liberator of Marseille; a soldier’s helmet; paintings, many depicting scenes of accidents and illness for which divine assistance was needed;

Votive Offering Boats Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

ships’ buoys; and model ships, these are suspended from the ceiling.

Outside on the lower esplanade you’ll see the sculpture of Saint Veronica and Jesus.

Getting there:

Bus Stop at Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

Notre-Dame de la Garde is located at Rue Fort du Sanctuaire.

Bus to Notre Dame de la Garde Marseille France

Get there by bus (Line 60: MuCEM St Jean – Notre Dame de la Garde).

Ticket info:

Adult Admission (Church and Crypt) = FREE

Adult Admission (Church Museum) = 6.00€; NOT covered by the Marseille City Pass

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