Le Ballet de l'Acier | Notre Dame de la Garde | Obsidian Portal

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The highest point overlooking the city of Marseille became the site of a small chapel built in the 13th century dedicated to the Virgin Mary, “Our Lady of the Watch” (Notre Dame de la Garde), the traditional Catholic protector of seafarers. In the sixteenth century King Francois I ordered the addition of fortifications to the site as additional protection for the important port-city.

The chapel and fortress are referred to as “the good mother” (la bonne mère) by the Marseillais.