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Top 10 Outstanding Facts about Notre-Dame de la Garde

The Notre Dame de la Garde in a few words, it would be: more than 800 years of pilgrimage, 157 meters high, a breathtaking view of the entire Phocaean city and the symbol of an entire city.  It holds both religious and historical values in in.

It’s often a tourist destination to experience its gorgeous views from its summit at the top. There have been several attempts to preserve the building to as to keep attracting tourists. Historically it had been built for military purposes however after some years it became a religious center after the erection of the statue of Virgin Mary. The basilica still holds services.

The basilica has decorative bronze entrance doors, a statue of Madonna in silver and votive thanks covering the will. It has several stoles containing people’s messages for Mary’s help through their storms, bad health or exams.  The Notre-Dame is definitely a historical sight that should be preserve for the future generation.

1.The Basilica as a strategic military and religious center

Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc) tank, photo by Robert Valette. Wikimedia commons

Francis I after his visit in the 1516, he decided to build a fort on the island that is currently known as the   Château d’If.  I his visit he had realized the city had been a weak point that meant there was of means of protection in case of a marine attack.

He suggested the place because for its strategic location of Guard Hill. The fort still remains visible. Contrary to what most think, the Notre-Dame is a basilica and nota cathedral. The statue of magnificent Mary stands at the summit which is regarded as the protection of the city. The Notre-Dame has both an aspect of religious beliefs and also a strategic military point for the city.

2.The renovation of the Notre-Dame

 An architect, Xavier David in 2001 launched for the restoration of the building to restore it back to its glory. Outside the building the Golfalina had been destroyed by pollution. The restoration entailed the replacement of damaged stones with pollution-resistant ones. The restoration was necessary to preserve its historical and religious value. The restoration was entrusted to a native mosaic to achieve its original aesthetic feel.

3.The Notre-Dame as a historic site

Noah’s Ark, photo by Robert Valette.

Since June 18, 2013, Notre Dame de la Garde has had its own museum. The place it has been historic venue from its initial formation to today.  It has attracted millions of people every year to experience the Marseille history. It is seen as the extraordinary panorama of the city. It still holds a magnificent view from the summit which attracts visitors to admire the city from there.

4.The Notre-Dame as a tourist sight

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The Notre Dame de la Garde offers an exceptional break from the noise and the crowds.  It’s often a tourist destination to unwind and reset. The view from the summit also seems to attract millions of visitors to the palace.

5.The Notre-Dame chapel

Pierre, a priest got inspired to build a chapel in the 1214 dedicated to the magnificent Virgin Mary. The construction of the chapel was completed four years later in June 1218 by the Pope Honorius III. After the death of Pierre, Notre-Dame de la Garde became a priory. The statue of magnificent Mary stands at the summit which is symbolic to the catholic faith.

6.Invasion by anti-clerical revolutionaries

On April 30, 1790 the fort was invaded by anti-clerical revolutionaries who crossed the drawbridge on the pretext of attending mass in the chapel, a ruse previously adopted by the ligueurs in 1594. On June 7, 1792 the Trinity Sunday, the day’s traditionally large procession was disturbed by demonstrations.  The statue of Virgin Mary was wrapped in scarfs in the revolution and a Phrygian cap placed on the head of baby Jesus.

7.The Notre-Dame as a prison

King’s cousin Louis Phillipe on the In April 1793 was imprisoned in the place. Duke of Orléans his two sons, the Duke of Montpensier and the Count of Beaujolais, his sister Louise, Duchess of Bourbon, and the Prince of Conti were imprisoned in Notre-Dame de la Garde was also imprisoned in the place for several weeks.

8.Several writings of the Notre-Dame

Many writers have described the famous basilica, for example: Valery Larbaud who described the place as governing the road of the sea. She describes the view from above. Paul Arene: describes it statue of Virgin Mary as “Here the true good mother, the only one, who rules in a gold coat stiff with pearls and rubies, under the dome of Notre-Dame de la Garde, a cupola of hard lapis lazuli encrusted with diamonds for stars, condescended to be angry with me. There has also been other several writings of the magnificence of the place.

9.Painting made to pay tribute to the place

View of the Port of Marseilles, Painting by Paul Signac.

The first was a drawing executed in ink in 1916, shown at Musee National d’Art Moderne in Â鶹APP. Many painters have depicted Marseille’s port with Notre-Dame’s basilica in the background. Paul Signac produced a painting in 1905 that is now shown in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Albert Marquet has produced several works containing the Notre-Dame.

10.The magnificent features of Notre-Dame

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This monument of Marseille is located on the highest hill near the Old Port, at an altitude of 150 meters. The Notre Dame de la Garde contains a bell tower of the height of 41 meters. The golden statue of Mary dominating the basilica is 11.20 meters long and weighs nearly 9,796 kg. The statue was made by the Christofle Company which required to be gilded with 500 grams of gold every quarter century. The Basilica with its very rich and golden decoration, on the other hand the crypt and its very sober decoration, without paintings or ornaments.

Indeed, the Notre-Dame de la Garde being a lavish building from centuries ago, still holds great sentimental value to its people. The structure has been used for both for a place of worship and a military protection site. Today both locals and international tourist visit the area to admire its beauty. Its construction required 40 years of work to be completed which gives it great sentimental value.