Notre-Dame de la Garde known to local citizens as la Bonne Mère is a Catholic basilica in Marseille, France, and the city's best-known symbol.

NOTRE Woman DE LA GARDE

In the event that it were important to introduce Notre Woman de la Garde in a couple of words, it would be: over 800 years of journey, 157 meters high, a stunning perspective on the whole Phocaean city and the image of a whole city.

THE "BONNE MÈRE" HISTORY

The one known as "La Bonne Mère" has carried on with three lives. First worked in 1214 - at the time it was a little house of prayer - it was revamped in the fifteenth 100 years prior to being obliterated again in 1853, to clear a path for a bigger basilica. The goal is then to have a spot sufficiently huge to oblige the explorers who are turning out to be increasingly more various since the presence of cholera. Inside, the materials utilized are at the level of its quality: white marble from Carrara and red marble from Brignoles close by Byzantine style mosaics.

Under the basilica, the grave was dove straightforwardly into the stone. It was finished before the basilica. The distinction in style between the tomb and the basilica is very striking: from one perspective the basilica with its actual rich and brilliant improvement, then again the grave and its extremely level-headed adornment, without works of art or decorations.

THE BASILICA IN FIGURES

This landmark of Marseille is situated on the most noteworthy slope close to the Old Port, at a height of 150 meters. The chime pinnacle of Notre Woman de la Garde arrives at a level of 41 meters. The brilliant sculpture of Mary overwhelming the basilica is 11.20 meters long and weighs almost 9,796 kg! It was made by the Christofle organization and should be overlaid with 500 grams of gold each 25 years.

Its development required over 40 years of work. Inside, the aspects turned out to be more unassuming: the nave was 32.7 meters long and 14 meters wide. It is brightened with side churches, each estimating 3.8 meters by 5.4 meters.

THE BASILICA OF MARSEILLE: An Essential MILITARY AND Strict POINT

In 1516, Francis I went to Marseille and joined his mom and spouse in the asylum of Notre Woman de la Garde. He understands the city's flimsy part: it has no method for security in case of a sea assault. Mindful of the essential area of Watchman Slope, he chose to fabricate a post and an army installation there. He likewise requested the development of a post on the island of If, the ongoing Château d'If. Indeed, even today, the remaining parts of this stronghold are as yet noticeable. What's more, when you incline somewhat nearer, you could see the ensign of Francis I: the well known lizard! Today, the Post has been changed and has given way to the gift shop, stopping and another sacristy.

In spite of what guests could think, Notre Woman de la Garde is certainly not a house of God however a basilica. This Byzantine roused magnum opus was planned by the modeler Henry Espérandieu. Inside, a Romano-Byzantine style with stones embellished with mosaics rules.

At its highest point, arriving at a level of in excess of 150 meters, stands a glorious sculpture of Mary, defender of the city and its mariners. Numerous ex-votos came to vouch for the connection of individuals of Marseilles and individuals of the ocean.

NOTRE DAME DE LA GARDE IS GETTING A MAKEOVER

In 2001, after a top to bottom investigation of the work to be done, the engineer Xavier David sent off the beginning of the rebuilding work. Long and difficult work that lasted...seven years!

Outside, the Golfalina - the green stone utilized for the basilica - has been harmed by contamination. Harmed stones are then supplanted by other, contamination safe stones. Inside, the mosaics have been adjusted throughout the long term. Their rebuilding was consequently shared with a local mosaicist from Marseille, Michel Patrizio.

VISIT "LA BONNE MÈRE"

Since June 18, 2013, Notre Woman de la Garde has had its own gallery. A spot that follows the historical backdrop of this spot, from its introduction to the world to the present time.

A significant figure of the city, the basilica draws in large number of guests consistently, as propelled by its visit and its position throughout the entire existence of Marseille as by the remarkable scene it offers over the whole Phocaean city.

If today, the view from the culmination stays stunning, in the past the experience was much more significant. Around quite a while back, guests could take a flight of stairs inside the sculpture of the Virgin Mary, which drove them to her head. Thus it was through the eyes of the sculpture that guests could respect the city.

To partake in the view and deeply inhale outside air, nothing beats going there by the numerous ways that lead to the foot of the slope. Be cautious, the trip is difficult and the perspective of "La Bonne Mère" should be acquired... or on the other hand paid for. For the individuals who wish, the Notre Woman de la Garde basilica is open by transport (line 60) or by the little train of Marseille which will please youthful and old the same.

A MARSEILLE TOURISME Number one

Past the hallowed idea of this spot for individuals of Marseilles, Notre Woman de la Garde offers an uncommon break from the commotion and the groups. Whether it is a free day or an end of the week, this walk permits you to re-energize your batteries with oxygen and positive waves! Furthermore, the inconceivable view it offers is truly worth the excursion!