Soul Bronze – Haiku 2023 #ThursdayDoors

Posted bySuzette BenjaminPosted inPoetry
Open Bronze Doors, Main Entrance, Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral, Marseilles, France. Image credit: © Oliver Wintzen |  Alamy

Faith—a lighthouse

Cathedral fortress; soul bronze

polished peace

~~~

Perched atop Marseilles, Notre Dame de la Garde overlooks the city and The Mediterranean Sea. Its vibrant mosaic walls and more than 2 million miniature and intricate mosaic floor tiles (each 1 or 2 centimeters square) are a testament to artistic brilliance and patient skill.

With a history dating back to the 12th century, this spiritual guidepost was consecrated in 1864, rising above the site of a very modest ancient chapel.

*The featured doors are the main entrance’s imposing bronze doors. Installed in 1897 the doors are protected by wooden shutters (deeper close-up image below)

Bronze doors on the right with wooden shield doors on the left. Main Entrance, Notre Dame de la garde, Marseilles.France. Image credit: Robert Valette | Wikimedia CC

Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral, interior nave facing the main altar below:

Nave view: Notre Dame de la Garde Cathedral, Marseilles, France. Image credit: © Alex Zarubin
| Dreamstime

Trivia #1: In 2008 seven years of extensive restorations were completed.

Notre Dame de la Garde, Marseilles, France. Image credit:© Ionut David | Dreamstime

Another round of restorations is slated to begin soon including the very costly re-application of 500 grams of gold to the entirety of the 11.2 meters (38.2 feet) steeple—the statue of the Virgin Mary and child (the gold wears off slowly over time and is reapplied once every 25 years.)

Trivia #2: A rare sight in a cathedral of any century, Notre Dame de la Garde has a working drawbridge! Image below:

Drawbridge, Notre Dame de la Garde, Maresllailes France. Image credit:© Gillespaire | Dreamstime

Once the watch tower of the city (a fort until 1921), and affectionately called by locals, “The Good Mother” — Notre Dame de la Garde — an aerial view below:

Aerial view Marseilles, France, Notre Dame de la Garde. Image credit:
Iurii Buriak  | Alamy

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And, for More

#ThursdayDoors visit Dan Antion – No Facilities

Teresa, My camera and I

Published by Suzette Benjamin

Positive thinker, inspirational, writer, faith

50 thoughts on “Soul Bronze – Haiku 2023 #ThursdayDoors”

  4. Marseille the oldest town in France.
    Iconic name for the cathedral – Our Lady of the Guard, a place of worship and pilgrimage.
    Beautiful ceiling including the ornaments, sculptures, domes, mosiacs and warmth of bronze doors.
    Good Mother and soul bronze are sweet nicknames.

    Love the mood of the words.
    Polished in Peace.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Yes, spot on! I did not mention it has an enduring role as a place of pilgrimage, and that that was the real reason for building so large a cathedral. The names of the church are particularly endearing, I agree.
      There seems to be a deep affection for this church by many. Amazing.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. “Polished Peace”. I always enjoy your words that accompany the history of these fascinating buildings. I have a friend that will be in Marseille soon. I’m peanut butter and jealous! Many blessings, Suzette!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. “Peanut butter and jealous” LOL, I have never heard that expression before. I love it. Thanks K.L. I am with you there too, I would love to visit Marseilles too! Have a good one.

      Like

  15. The cathedral is magnificent, Suzette! Just looking at the over 2 million miniature and intricate mosaic floor tiles would keep me busy. The bronze door is amazing. Wonderful photos of doors this week!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I know right! I looks like one is transported to an different place on the inside it seems from the photos! Amazing juxtaposition and creative concepts in this cathedral.
      Have a good one. Safe travels, Maggie.

      Liked by 1 person

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