Notre-Dame de la Garde
A neo-Byzantine basilica on the city's highest point. Its gilded Virgin atop the bell tower watches over sailors and fishermen, and Marseillais affectionately call it La Bonne Mère, the Good Mother.
Notre-Dame de la Garde was built between 1853 and 1864 on a limestone hill about 149 m above sea level. It is decorated with striped marble and gold mosaics, and its interior is hung with ship models and votive paintings offered by sailors and worshippers. The terrace offers a 360-degree view of the Old Port, the city, If Island and the Mediterranean, making it Marseille's best viewpoint. Bullet marks from the 1944 liberation battle can still be seen on the exterior walls. Entry is free, but modest dress is required. You can take bus 60 or the tourist mini-train up the hill, or walk from the Old Port in about 30 minutes, though the slope is steep.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:00–18:15 (extended in summer; check official website)
Nearby sights
- Abbey of Saint-Victor
- Old Port of Marseille
- Marseille History Museum & Jardin des Vestiges
- MuCEM & Fort Saint-Jean
- Corniche Kennedy
- Noailles & Marché des Capucins
- Le Panier
- Cosquer Méditerranée