Nortre-Dame de le Garde, Marseille, France

Notre-Dame de le Garde Basilica in Marseille was a surprise.  In more than one way.  First I didn’t expect another basilica, second it was perched on a hill overlooking Marseille right behind my apartment!!!  Even though it was in walking distance, managing the walk plus the hill was a bit too much for my body.

I took the tour bus. It’s a hop-on, hop-off bus that takes you by the important sites in the city where you can stop off and enjoy and then catch the next one about 30 minutes later moving on to the next site. This actually beats taking a taxi or a regular city bus, in that while it’s not cheaper than a city bus, there are multiple times I can get off and back on with no additional charge over a 24 hour period. Which really does make it cheaper than a city bus…getting off 3 times at no extra charge compared to using the city bus for such an adventure is cheaper.

It’s one of those open upper-deck buses. I love them, even in the cold weather because I love taking pictures and there’s plenty of variety and opportunity.

This was another surprising basilica visit. I’m still in awe of the Basilica de la Sagrada Famila in Barcelona and frankly am expecting much the same or even bigger since the one in Barcelona is still under construction. But, that’s not the case. But this is probably going to be the most unique basilica I will visit….but, yet…that’s not true although it does have its uniqueness.

Look at this photo…

Notice that there are some ropes with objects hang from them near to the right in the photo and in the center. That is BOATS. I’m telling you, they are hanging all throughout the church. Out of reach of course.

During the visit there was a service just beginning so, my picture taking was brief….but it was good. Looky here:

I know this isn’t the right way to say this…but these places have a bit of showmanship about them. Not only picturesque by also filled with drama.

While much smaller than Basilica de la Sagrada Famila in Barcelona, Spain it was a magnificent sight! Here’s a bit of info on this lovely basilica.

It was built on the foundations of an ancient fort at the highest natural point in Marseille, 489 ft limestone outcropping on the south side of the Old Port of Marseille. It really towers over the city majestically as if it’s the protector of all below.

The basilica consists of a lower church or crypt in the Romanesque style, carved from the rock, and an upper church of Neo-Byzantine style decorated with mosaics. Throughout Western Europe I was amazed at the use of mosaics thru the lineage of architecture. Something that is not found in America. I wouldn’t have thought that the candle smoke could damage the mosaic tile but it did and underwent an extensive period of restoration from 2001 to 2008. I didn’t notice any further damage I’m glad to report, perhaps they now wipe the tiles down on a regular schedule. Also restored was stonework that had been damaged by bullets during the Liberation of France in 1944. Personally, I wouldn’t have had that bullet damage repaired as it’s part of the history.

This church received its decree June 10, 1879 as a Minor Basilica (which has nothing to do with its size).

As I’m writing, I realize that there’s so much….well too much that needs to be said. Most won’t be able to just throw a pair of socks in the overnight bag, grab the next redeye across the Atlantic and visit and I can’t adaquately praise this place here….take a look around the internet for more info.

Next stop…Rome!

Peace, love, and beaches,

John

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