Marseille, France – General View and Notre-Dame de la Garde – Postcard

This historical postcard captures a panoramic view of Marseille, France, dominated by the Notre-Dame de la Garde Basilica, perched atop a hill overlooking the city. The foreground showcases the dense urban landscape of Marseille, with its classic 19th-century rooftops and historic buildings, while the steep incline leading to the basilica features the iconic funicular railway, which once provided easy access to the sacred site.
Marseille, founded by the Greeks around 600 BCE, is France’s oldest city and has long been a major Mediterranean port. Its strategic coastal location made it a crucial hub for trade, immigration, and naval defense throughout history.
The Notre-Dame de la Garde, often referred to as the “Bonne Mère” (Good Mother) by locals, was built between 1853 and 1864 in the Neo-Byzantine style. It replaced an earlier 16th-century chapel, which itself was built on the ruins of a medieval watchtower. The basilica has since become the symbol of Marseille, offering both spiritual protection and breathtaking views of the city and the sea.
One of the most distinctive features in this image is the funicular railway, constructed in 1892 to transport visitors up the steep incline to the basilica. The railway operated until 1967, when it was dismantled due to the increasing use of cars and buses.
Front Text: "70 bis – MARSEILLE – Vue Générale et N.-D. de la Garde"
The reverse side follows the classic "CARTE POSTALE" format.
Size ±: 14 cm x 9 cm
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