Notre-Dame-du-Mont – Cours Julien

From the bustling Cours Julien, look up and let your gaze settle on Notre-Dame-du-Mont. This neoclassical church, standing proudly in the square of the same name, has witnessed centuries of Marseille’s vibrant history. Notre-Dame-du-Mont is more than just a beautiful structure. It’s a repository of stories, a testament to the city’s evolving spirit. Originally built in 1586 as Notre-Dame du Mont de Rome, the church served as a sanctuary for sailors who had escaped the perils of the sea. They would bring offerings and ex-votos to the altar of Notre-Dame de la Mer, giving thanks for their survival. Later, this tradition shifted to the newly constructed Notre-Dame de la Garde. Notre-Dame-du-Mont has seen its share of transformations. Rebuilt in the neoclassical style we see today, its foundation stone was laid in 1824 and it was inaugurated just a year later. This reconstruction was necessary to accommodate the burgeoning district around it. Inside, Notre-Dame-du-Mont holds treasures salvaged from the French Revolution. Works of art from the former convent of the Minimes, destroyed during the revolution, found a new home within these walls. Admire the Virgin and Child surrounded by Saint François de Paule and Saint François de Sales by Michel Serre. Feast your eyes on The Flight into Egypt, The Workshop of Nazareth, The Adoration of the Shepherds, and The Marriage of the Virgin by Barthélémy Chasse. And don’t miss Saint Loup venant demander la paix à Attila (coming to ask peace to Attila) by Auguste Hyacinthe Debay. The church’s rich interior, adorned with murals, woodwork, statues, and stained glass windows, offers a visual symphony. Notre-Dame-du-Mont also boasts a musical history. In 1839, the renowned composer Frédéric Chopin played the church’s organ at the funeral of his friend, Adolphe Nourrit. Chopin, finding the organ inadequate, urged the curé to sell it, which he did. A new organ, designed by Alexandre Ducroquet, was installed in 1847 and has since undergone several restorations, eventually earning the status of a Historical Monument. A plaque on the church’s facade commemorates Chopin’s visit and performance. Notre-Dame-du-Mont stands as a beacon of art, history, and faith in the heart of Marseille.