Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde
1 / 5
Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde - by fred pet on Unsplash
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.
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
av. transport time:0h 30m
est. visit time:1h 15m
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