Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde

The Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde, nicknamed “The Good Mother “, is a Catholic church built in the 19th century. The symbol of Marseille (bull, lion and tower) is dedicated to this cathedral, which reigns over the city and the entire Mediterranean. Located 16 km from the nearest campsite in Aubagne, Marseille, this cathedral is a piece of 19th-century French history and an architectural work of great beauty.

The history of the basilica and its hillside

Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde basilica was built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style by Protestant architect Henri-Jacques Espérandieu and completed on June 5, 1864. It replaced the chapel of the same name, built in 1214 and rebuilt in the 15th century. The cathedral’s Romanesque-Byzantine style is clearly visible in its mosaic decoration. Above the basilica is a 41-metre-high bell tower, topped by an 11.2-metre, gilded copper statue of the Virgin Mary with 2 leaves.

In addition, the cathedral was built at an altitude of 149 m, on the base of a 16th-century fortress erected by Francis I to resist the siege of Charles V in 1536. Based on the walls and foundations of the former fortress, the cathedral reaches a height of 13 metres. It also boasts a 2nd part: a Romanesque lower church or crypt , carved out of the rock. The latter was completed before the cathedral.

Not to be missed during your visit

Thanks to its location near the Vieux Port, on a hill 157 meters above sea level, the Basilique Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde offers a breathtaking view of Marseille.
Inside, the materials used are both precious and refined. White Carrara marble blends harmoniously with red Brignoles marble, and both stand side by side with Byzantine-style mosaics.

Below the basilica, the crypt was dug directly into the rock. The contrast between the style of the basement and that of the cathedral is very interesting. On the one hand, you’ll see the cathedral richly decorated with gilding, and on the other, you’ll notice that the basement is very simple, with no paintings or ornamentation.

The Basilica of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde wasrestored between 2001 and 2008, using green Florence stone, which is sensitive to corrosion. Even the mosaic was refurbished, as the smoke from the candles had damaged the beautiful stones. In addition, the impact of bullets during the Liberation period also caused some damage.

Good to know

The basilica welcomes visitors every day of the week from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m . You can visit Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde in the knowledge that your car is securely parked close to the site. However, if you prefer to take public transport, the nearest bus stop is less than 500 meters away.

Entrance to the basilica costs €0.50 per person. But if you’re looking for the ideal place to camp near the basilica in the best conditions? Youcamp in Aubagne welcomes you and gives you the opportunity to visit Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde. A guided tour of the basilica is included in the cost of your stay.