Our Lady of the Guard

The Notre-Dame de la Garde is a well-known basilica in Marseille and the city’s most visited symbol. The basilica Is built on Marseille’s highest poin, so it can be seen from afar and is thus not hard to find. Built between 1853-1864 in Romanesque style it was originally designed to be a medieval chapel, but later transformed and given a new structure.

The basilica is one of the most important places of worship for believers, thus many religious people and...

The Notre-Dame de la Garde is a well-known basilica in Marseille and the city’s most visited symbol. The basilica Is built on Marseille’s highest poin, so it can be seen from afar and is thus not hard to find. Built between 1853-1864 in Romanesque style it was originally designed to be a medieval chapel, but later transformed and given a new structure.

The basilica is one of the most important places of worship for believers, thus many religious people and tourists travel here every year to see the monumental building. On the bell tower of the basilica there is a large Virgin Mary statue. There are small model boats hanging from the ceiling of the building because of a local historical tradition – before sailors would set out on a new boat, they would first bring a model thereof to the basilica to make sure the Virgin Mary would keep an eye on them while at sea.

The Basilica of Our Lady of the Guard offers guided tours for adults, young people and schoolchildren alike. The entry to the basilica is free of charge.