Marseille - City Sights

Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde

In which year was the current structure of the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille completed?

1864

Which architectural style characterizes the design of the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille, France?

Neo-Byzantine

Who was the sculptor responsible for creating the 11.2-meter gilded statue of the Virgin Mary that stands atop the bell tower of the basilica?

Lequesne

The crypt of the basilica is notable for being constructed from which type of stone?

Local Gard limestone

What structure existed on the hill prior to the construction of the current basilica?

A 16th-century fortress and chapel

Which biblical event is depicted in the main apse mosaic of the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome?

Assumption of the Virgin

Approximately how tall is the bell tower located beneath the Virgin Mary statue in meters?

41 meters

Which area of the basilica is known for displaying numerous model ships donated by sailors as tokens of gratitude?

Ex-voto collection

During which major conflict was the basilica used as a military observation post?

World War I

From the hill of Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille, which mountain range can be seen to the east?

Sainte-Victoire Massif

Vieux-Port

Who was the architect behind the design of the Ombrière, the mirrored canopy installed at Marseille's Vieux-Port in 2013?

Norman Foster

In 1720, what catastrophic event entered Marseille through the Vieux-Port?

The Great Plague of Marseille

What is the approximate length of Marseille's Vieux-Port from its innermost point to the open sea?

700 meters

During which period of the 20th century was the Vieux-Port area of Marseille heavily destroyed?

World War II

What type of boats are most commonly moored closest to the Quai de Rive Neuve in Marseille?

Traditional fishing boats

What is the local name of the ferry service that connects the two sides of the Vieux-Port in Marseille?

Ferry Boat

Which Roman emperor is credited with reinforcing the defenses near the present-day Vieux-Port in Marseille?

Emperor Probus

What was the name of the original Greek settlement founded at the site of Marseille's Vieux-Port?

Massalia

Which church near the Vieux-Port in Marseille is dedicated to sailors and fishermen?

Église Saint-Ferréol les Augustins

Which annual event turns the Vieux-Port of Marseille into a lively center for boat races and maritime exhibitions?

Marseille Nautical Festival

Calanques National Park

What type of rock primarily makes up the white cliffs of the Calanques in southern France?

Limestone

Which rare marine mammal is sometimes seen in the waters of the Calanques National Park?

Mediterranean monk seal

What distinctive natural feature is the Calanque d'En-Vau especially known for?

Turquoise waters and towering vertical cliffs

Which plant species is endemic to the limestone soils of the Calanques region in southern France?

Marseille Astragalus

Which bird of prey, known for nesting on cliffs, can be found in this park?

Bonelli's eagle

Which cave in the Calanques is most famous for its Paleolithic-era habitation and prehistoric paintings?

Cosquer Cave

Which strong seasonal wind, known for shaping the vegetation of the Calanques region in southern France, is called what?

Mistral

Which calanque near Marseille is known for being the largest and most easily accessible to visitors?

Calanque de Sormiou

Which species of protected seagrass, essential for marine biodiversity, is commonly found in the Calanques region?

Posidonia oceanica

What is the approximate maximum height of the cliffs in the Calanques, which are popular with climbers for their impressive elevation and rock quality?

400 meters