Notre-Dame-de-Saint-Omer Cathedral at Saint-Omer, Saint-Omer, France
Notre-Dame de la Garde, or "la Bonne Mère" (the Good Mother), is a renowned Catholic basilica in Marseille, France. It sits atop a 149-meter limestone hill, offering panoramic views of the Old Port. This site has long been a spiritual landmark, attracting pilgrims, especially during the Assumption Day celebration. In fact, it remains the most visited destination in Marseille.
The basilica's construction began in 1853, following a request from Father Bernard to expand an existing medieval chapel. The project was designed by Henri-Jacques Espérandieu, who blended Romanesque and Neo-Byzantine styles. The lower church, carved directly into the rock, contrasts with the upper church's ornate mosaics. Above it all, a bell tower supports a towering 11.2-meter statue of the Madonna and Child, made of gilded copper.
Consecrated on June 5, 1864, the basilica was still unfinished at the time. Over the years, several restorations took place, but the most significant occurred between 2001 and 2008. During this period, mosaics damaged by candle smoke were restored. Additionally, the green limestone from Gonfolina was replaced due to corrosion caused by pollution. The stonework, which had been scarred during the Liberation of France, was also repaired.
Michel Patrizio, an artist from Marseille, led the restoration of the mosaics. His team was trained in Friuli, Italy, and worked with tiles provided by a Venetian workshop. The basilica, having endured both time and adversity, continues to stand as a cherished cultural and religious symbol of Marseille.
To reach Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille, you have several transportation options:
By Air:
The nearest major airport is Marseille Provence Airport (MRS), located about 25 kilometers (16 miles) north of the city center. You can reach the city from the airport by:
Taxi or ride-sharing services: Around 30 minutes to the city center.
Airport shuttle bus (Navette): This takes you to the Marseille Saint-Charles Train Station, which is a central transport hub, within 25-30 minutes.
Public transport: From the airport, you can take bus line 91 to Vitrolles Aéroport Marseille Provence train station, then connect to a train into the city.
By Rail:
Marseille Saint-Charles Train Station is the main rail hub in the city, well-connected to cities like Paris, Lyon, Nice, and other regional locations. From the station:
Metro Line 2: Take Metro Line 2 from the Saint-Charles station to the Castellane stop. From there, you can catch a bus or a short taxi ride to Notre-Dame de la Garde.
Bus: Several local buses serve routes that lead toward the basilica. Bus line 60 can take you close to the hill, and from there, it’s a short walk up.
By Bus:
Public transport: Bus lines 60 and 21 both go to the base of the hill where Notre-Dame de la Garde is located. From there, it’s a bit of a steep climb, or you can take a local taxi or walk the short distance.
For the most current schedules and route information, check Marseille's local transport website or the SNCF for train connections.
Monday at 9am., 4:30pm
Tuesday at 9am., 4:30pm
Wednesday at 9am., 4:30pm
Thursday at 9am., 4:30pm
Friday at 9am., 4:30pm Saturday at 9am., 11:30am., 4:30pm. Sunday at 9am., 11:00am.
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