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Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

Rue Fort du Sanctuaire, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur

Description

Notre-Dame de la Garde ("Our Lady of the Guard") is a Catholic Basilica built during the second half of the 19th century on top of a hill in Marseille where a fort used to be. It is one of the city's symbols and locally nicknamed "la Bonne Mère", meaning "the Good Mother". The lower part is a crypt in the Romanesque style and the upper part a church designed in Neo-Byzantine style well known for its mosaics and its 41m bell tower topped by a large statue of the Madonna and Child, made of copper gilded with gold leaf.

Access & Transport

Address: Rue Fort du Sanctuaire in the 6th Arr. It is a 1.5km walk to/from the Vieux Port / Opera Bus 60 stops at the bottom of the basilica. It is quite steep going up the hill and wheelchair users are better off using a vehicle to reach the entrance.

Instructions & Recommendations

If you happen to leave your car in the parking area, it closes at 18h15 and it is not possible to exit afterwards, until the next day. We suggest combining a visit there with the St Victor Abbey or with a walk to the Castellane neighbourhood. For those with plenty of time, the Parc du 26ème Centenaire (2.6km away) is also an option.

Meta review

This monument is emblematic of the city and always on the short list of recommended sights. It is thus not surprising to see such excellent online ratings with visitors stating that it is worth going there for the views over the city, although the inside of the basilica gets positive feedback as well. The recurring word of advice is to use the bus 60 from the Vieux Port if it is too hot or your group is not fit enough.

Environmental & Social

We deem this activity environmentally neutral. Part of the city's historical and architectural heritage.

Conclusion

Even without some of the best views in town, we would recommend a visit of the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica for both its interior and exterior aesthetics, and its special history closely tied to the sea. The church should be on any traveller's shortlist for Marseille.

Key positive

Impressive setting and exterior design + Madonna and Child statue

Great views over Marseille

Beautiful mosaics

Key negative

The uphill walk might be demanding in hot weather

Suitability

No religious denomination restrictions. Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility via a separate entrance and motorized transport is recommended to go up the hill

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

June 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
The museum is open from 09 to 17h45 (last entrance is at 17h00)

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:1h 15m

Regulated hours

Monday07:00 - 18:00

Tuesday07:00 - 18:00

Wednesday07:00 - 18:00

Thursday07:00 - 18:00

Friday07:00 - 18:00

Saturday07:00 - 18:00

Sunday07:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Free

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