Our Lady of the Mount

A Church oriented towards music

The Church of Our Lady of the Mount is a parish church, affiliated with the Diocese of Marseille. Located in the 6th arrondissement, the Church of Our Lady of the Mount has its history dating back to the 16th century. However, in the same place, in the 6th century, a church dedicated to St. Stephen had been built. It is thus on this same site that the Church of Our Lady of the Mount of Rome is subsequently constructed. It is known as the Church of the Sailors. Thus, sailors who survived a tragedy at sea, shipwrecks, would come to this place to pray. This tradition would later be transferred to the Basilica of Notre-Dame de la Garde.

During the French Revolution, in the 18th century, the Church was handed over to a private individual. From then on, it changed owners several times, until May 1821, when it became the property of the city of Marseille again. Unfortunately, becoming too small in the face of population expansion, the municipality then decided to demolish it to rebuild a larger one in the same location. The square on which it stands actually bears its name.

Construction began on April 14, 1823, and was completed in 1824. It was consecrated on February 29, 1824, by Monseigneur Fortuné de Mazenod.

As the Latin inscription on the pediment of this church states: Frédéric Chopin came to play there on April 24, 1839. At the time, the composer, passing through Marseille, had come to play the organ for the funeral of one of his friends, the famous singer Adolphe Nourrit. The story goes that at the end of the funeral, Chopin complained to the Curé of the time and explained to him that the organ was worthless and that he should sell it. The Curé, totally agreeing with the young composer, followed his advice. And the organ was sold to the municipality of Eyguières, near Salon de Provence. But, due to its poor quality, the piping of the instrument was resold. It was subsequently declared a historical monument. It wasn't until 2007 that Pascal Quoirin, an organ builder, restored it.

The musical tradition of this neighborhood church has remained, as to this day, it is still the venue for numerous classical music performances, sacred chants, and music. It is a peaceful place, perfect if you are looking for a place to pray in Marseille. The church gave its name to the neighborhood in which it is located.

The neo-classical style of the church does not present any particular characteristics, except for the richness of the paintings found there, which come from the Couvent des Minimes, which was destroyed during the Revolution. Notre Dame Du Mont is a must-visit when you are in the neighborhood of the same name. It is a vestige of Marseille's history. The Marseille canton and the Notre Dame Du Mont – Cours Julien metro station also owe their names to it.