The Basilica of Our Lady of the Guard is one of the iconic landmarks of Marseille. It was built from 1853 on the hill of the same name, located at 154 m above sea level, where a fort had been built by order of François 1st in 1524 to protect the city. A lookout post to monitor the coast remained on the site until 1978.
Succeeding several chapels serving as both a place of worship and pilgrimage but become too cramped in the nineteenth century, the current basilica is designed by the architect Henry Espérandieu. At the same time, at the beginning of the reign of Napoleon III, other projects transformed the face of the Phocaean city, like the palace of the stock exchange or the prefecture.
The basilica is Romano-Byzantine style, then in vogue. Evidenced by the presence of domes, the use of polychrome stones, ornaments including golds and mosaics. In a general way, the frescoes, paintings, sculptures and the liturgical furniture are of very beautiful invoice.
As for the general plan, two distinct parts are visible: a low, vaulted church and a high church, which houses the shrine dedicated to the Virgin and which is the subject of a pilgrimage on August 15.
In 1870, a monumental statue of the Virgin in gilt bronze was installed on the campanile.
Nicknamed "the Good Mother", the basilica is very popular with the Marseillais and many ex-votos have been affixed or hung inside.
Since 2003, a museum adjoins the building that traces 800 years of religious history on the top of the hill of the Guard.
Free visit of the basilica every day. Guided tour by reservation.
The museum is open every day except Mondays. Entry: 3 and 5 euros. Information on +33 4 91 13 40 80.
