Around 620-600 B.C. Greek-Phoenicians landed here with in hopes of trading at Lacydon Creek, now the Old Port of Marseille.
At this time, the coastal area was occupied by the Ligurians, who were preparing for a very special occasion. The timing of the Greeks arrival coincided perfectly with the coming of out of the king’s daughter, announcing her eligibility for marriage. The visitors’ leader Protis, or Pytheas the Greek, was invited to attend the festivities.
A lavish banquet welcomed the Ligurian warriors vying for the princess’ hand. The grand finale of the meal would come when the princess entered the room bearing a glass of wine to offer to the warrior who had won her heart. History tells that she made her choice from all the warriors and presented the glass and her life to Protis, who was allegedly as handsome as a Greek god.
The princess and Protis were soon married, and her dowry included the area now known as Garde Hill. The princess had made an excellent choice in Protis and the small town of Massalia thrived, the beginnings of Marseille.
Tradition states that the 154-meter hill has served the first of its three vocations since pre-historic times. History confirms the use of Garde Hill as an observation and lookout point since the Roman era. A decree from Charles II d’Anjou in the 15th century included Garde Hill on a list of relay points, a look-out system which was improved and continued in use until 1978.
The second vocation of the Garde Hill was as a military defense and came into play under Francois I, whose salamander badge remains visible today. A fortified castle was constructed in 1525 to defend the city of Marseille. Joined with the Château d'If, it formed a much-needed strong maritime defense.
The most recent occupation of the Garde Hill has become an urban symbol, sacred to many. Commissioned by Saint Charles Eugene de Mazenod , then bishop of Marseille, the construction of the basilica of Notre Dame de la Guarde began in 1853. Architect Jacques Henri Esperandieu’s Romanesque-Byzantine design complemented the large constructions of Marseille under Napoléon III. The completed basilica was consecrated on June 5, 1864.
Notre Dame de la Garde, called la Bonne Mère by the Marseillais, gracefully dominates the city and the port, visible for miles from the ocean. From the esplanade, in front of the sanctuary, lies an amazing open view on Marseille. The basilica’s silhouette atop Garde Hill now serves as a symbol of Marseille.
Access from the Vieux Port:
- Bus 60
- Petit Train de la Bonne Mère (timetable available from tourist office)
- 30 minute walk by the Jardin de la Colonne at the top of the Cours Pierre Puget
Did you know that the basilica Notre Dame de la Guarde…
…was not the first church constructed on the Hill? The first was built in 1241 by a hermit, master Pierre, who was given authorization to build on this hill which belonged to the Abbey of Saint-Victor.
…took five years to build? It required 170,000 tons of material, including marble and porphyry delivered from Italy in 23 shiploads.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
By Kari Masson, a freelance writer for travel, cross-cultural, and expatriate-focused publications. More than 50 of her articles have appeared in North America, Europe, and Africa. If you are looking to add dynamic creativity to your publication, contact Kari at
www.jkmassonprint.blogspot.com