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Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille

23rd February 2007

Built on the orders of Napoleon III during France's Second Empire in the 19th century, Notre-Dame de la Garde remains Marseille's most visually spectacular feature.

Over 1.5 million people a year are thought to visit the basilica, which stands at one of the highest points in the city and provides spectacular views of Marseille's Old Port.

The most distinctive aspect of the basilica is the giant golden statue of the Virgin Mary, which stands atop the 60 foot belfry.

The Byzantine interiors combine elaborate mosaic and marble designs with a series of spectacular murals made up of offerings to the saints. Each year a pilgrimage is made to Notre-Dame on August 15th, the date of the Assumption, and a number of esoteric offerings are on show inside the basilica, including war medals and old paintings.

Olympique de Marseille, the city's football team, have also left several offerings of their own, including football shirts and related memorabilia.

Notre-Dame de la Garde's unusual architectural style combines both Roman and Byzantine construction techniques. Famous architect Jacques Henri Esperandieu, also responsible for Marseilles' Longchamp Palace, began the work on the Notre-Dame before his death resulted in the project being completed by Henri Revoil.

Offering amazing views and intricately-detailed interiors, Notre-Dame de la Garde should not be missed by visitors enjoying a break in Marseille.

© Adfero Ltd

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