Notre Dame de la Garde (panorama)

Their story.

The Garde hill has always been an observation post. With a summit rises to 154 meters, it allows indeed to embrace a 360-degree view on the city, the mountains and the sea. In the XVème century, an ordinance of Charles II d’Anjou registered it in the list of relays. This system of vigil will improve over the centuries and the function has continued on the hill until 1978.in order to protect Marseille from the armies of Charles V by the Connétable de Bourbon, Franck I built a fort in 1524, which, together with the Chateau d’If, constituted a maritime defense with which the city was already provided. Nowadays, we can still see the presence of the fort serving as a foundation for the current basilica and guess above the north porch the King's emblem: the Salamander.

Did you know...

• The Virgin is looking at the sea and not at her child, she is presenting him to the world.
• There are three bells, including a drone of over 8 tons named Marie-Joséphine.
• The Virgin is hollow, there is a staircase that leads to the eyes of the statue (closed to the public).
• There was a funicular of 1892 à 1967 that started from the street Jules Moulet and arrived 80 m higher.