There is no scarcity of France tourist attractions. Basilique Notre Dame de la
Garde in France adds up to the list of sightseeing in France. This Neo-Byzantine
church is located on top of the signal hill of La Garde in Marsaille in France.
Measuring 161 meters, Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde in France is the place
where local inhabitants come for annual pilgrimage on 15th August. There was a
13th century chapel located on the same site where this basilica stands now. Dedicated
to Our Lady of the Guard, sailors- upon a safe return from a perilous voyage-
used to clatter the chapel with ex-vetos. Later the basilica replaced the old
chapel.
Bishop of Marseille, Saint Charles Eugene de Mazenod commissioned architect
Jacques Henri Esperandieu to build the basilica in the nineteenth century. The
foundation stone for Basilique Notre Dame de la Garde in France was laid on
September 11, 1853 and when it was completed in 1864-this church was hailed
as one of the most sacred places in the Christian world. A 11.20 meter statue
of the Virgin and Child sits atop the basilica. This statue is visible from
all over the town and from the distant part of the sea as well.
The interior is decorated with Italian marble. The walls and the ceiling are
adorned with mosaics and murals. Besides, religious spaintings depicting scenes
from the Bible adorn the walls of this huge basilica. One unique point that
you would notice inside the Notre Dame de la Garde in France is the football
shirts that were donated by the fans of Olympique de Marseille, the local football
team. France travel guide recommends this basilica to be visited by everybody.
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