Marseilles, France - 20 June 2013; No people in view. Notre-Dame de la Garde (Our Lady of the Guard), is a Catholic basilica in Marseille, France, located on a hilltop at the highest natural elevation in Marseille. It was consecrated in 1864, replacing a church of the same name that was built in 1214 and restored in the 15th century. Its Upper Church is designed and decorated in a lavish neo-Byzantine style. As befits a city whose history is built on the sea, sailing or nautical motifs appear throughout the church, and many model boats hang from the domed ceiling. The Latin motto behind the Virgin's statue - Avia, Gratia, Plena, from the prayer Ave Maria, translates of course to Hail Full of Grace. EDITORIAL NOTE - this church is free to enter, untickited and has no restrictions on photography.