The soaring neoclassical facade of Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Mont stands before you. Its story whispers of resilience and faith.
This isn’t just any church. Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Mont holds a special place in Marseille’s heart. Built in 1824 it replaced an earlier church dating back to 1586. That older church Notre-Dame du Mont de Rome was a significant site. Sailors who survived shipwrecks left offerings there. This tradition later moved to the iconic Notre-Dame de la Garde.
The revolution saw the church sold to a private owner. After periods of neglect and changing hands the city of Marseille acquired it. They rebuilt it to meet the needs of the growing neighborhood. The foundation stone for the current building was laid in 1823. Mgr Fortuné de Mazenod consecrated the new Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Mont in 1824.
A fascinating footnote to the church’s history involves the great composer Frederic Chopin. In 1839 he played the church organ. It was a somber occasion. He played for the funeral of his friend the renowned singer Adolphe Nourrit. Chopin’s assessment of the organ was blunt. He famously told the priest “This organ is worthless. Sell it.” The organ was indeed sold to Eyguières. Even there it found little favor its pipes eventually sold off. It was only in 2007 that the instrument was fully restored.
Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Mont is more than just stone and mortar. It houses artwork rescued from the former convent of the Minimes. This convent was destroyed during the French Revolution. The paintings are a testament to the artistic legacy of Marseille. Michel Serre’s “Virgin and Child” surrounded by saints is a highlight. Several works by Barthélémy Chasse including “The Flight into Egypt” and “The Adoration of the Shepherds” also grace its walls. The pulpit sculpted in 1841 by Jean Joseph Vian adds to the church’s beauty.
The church’s interior is rich with history. Murals paintings statues and stained glass windows tell their own silent stories. A Latin inscription above the main door recounts the building’s history. The high relief ceramic Visitation above the entrance is a striking feature created in Toulouse and added in 1898.
The Eglise Notre-Dame-du-Mont stands as a symbol of faith endurance and the enduring spirit of Marseille itself. It’s a place where history art and devotion intertwine. Take a moment to appreciate its quiet grandeur.