Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde in France, resort of Marseille
Rating: 8,1/10 (4242 votes)  Built in the best traditions of Byzantine architecture, the Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde is nevertheless the brightest creation of architectural thought of the 19th century. The construction was carried out with money collected by the townspeople from 1852 to 1863. It was decided to build the basilica on the highest hill in Marseille, so that the bell tower directed into the sky would cover the entire city with its ringing, and the walls could protect any resident of the city. The cathedral is two churches built one above other. The lower church contains the tombs of the greatest people of the city, and it itself looks like a crypt from afar – several marble slabs at the base, low height and quiet square around. The second church is more spacious, lighter: many stained-glass windows let every ray of the sun through, which is reflected in the rich interior decoration of the church. At the entrance you can see a mosaic rich in colors – borrowing from Byzantine temples. But not only the mosaic attracts the eyes of those who came here, here, in the temple, you can see quite unusual decorations. For example, one of the inner walls is pasted over with signs with thanksgiving prayers or requests. The requests range from healing to winning the soccer team in the Major Leagues. And one more thing distinguishes this church from many others – from the very top. Thousands of miniature models of boats, boats, ships hang from the dome. Marseilles fishermen consider it a mandatory ritual – thus ask for a blessing for your ship, None of the priests of the Basilica forbade this, and over time it became a good tradition. During the Second World War, the Basilica withstood the heaviest bombing of the Germans. The centuries-old Marseilles mansions, whole neighborhoods were destroyed, and the top of the city was not hit by a single shot. Marseilles partisans also left a plaque of thanks to the Basilica for saving the city from the German occupiers. The cathedral is still in operation today, it is open for tourists. Thanks to tradition, anyone who has ever sailed on a boat in the city's harbor can order a smaller model of it and hang it under the dome of the basilica – good luck.  We also recommend reading Fort of Saint Nicholas in France, Marseille resort Topic: Basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde in France, resort of Marseille. |
