Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica

The basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port, in Clermont-Ferrand

The basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port is a jewel of Auvergne Romanesque art, inscribed in the world heritage of UNESCO under the paths of Compostela. The Clermont-Ferrand audio-guided tour stops here, with respect, to evoke this building of the twelfth century in the heart of the Port district, whose sculpted portal, pyramidal chevet and capitals count among the finest Romanesque testimonies of France.

History

The basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port owes its name to its situation, in the heart of the Port district. Built in the twelfth century in a fine Auvergne Romanesque style, it was raised to the rank of basilica only at the end of the nineteenth century, by order of Pope Leo XIII. Built in blond arkose, a light stone, it represents a true jewel of Romanesque art, with its sculpted portal, its pyramidal chevet, its rose windows and more than two hundred and fifty capitals with magnificent decorations. Much damaged during the Revolution, it was at the centre of a lively division: some wanted to demolish it to build a cloth market in its place, others were keen to preserve this exceptional heritage. Thanks to a petition, the building was finally saved, at the price of numerous restorations destined to restore its splendour. Inscribed in the Historic Monuments and in the world heritage of UNESCO, it is considered as close to perfection in its architecture and its proportions.

What to see

Here you discover a jewel of Auvergne Romanesque art of the twelfth century, classified by UNESCO under the paths of Compostela; built in blond arkose, the basilica reveals a sculpted portal, a pyramidal chevet, rose windows and more than two hundred and fifty finely adorned capitals, in the calm conducive to contemplation. Notre-Dame-du-Port is an unmissable place of prayer of Clermont-Ferrand, to be visited with respect. It is a fine stop, to be explored on foot.

Practical information

The basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port lies in the heart of the Port district, a few streets from the place Delille, reachable on foot. It is a place of worship in activity, whose access is made in the respect of the services and of contemplation; the hours of visit vary according to the season. It is best to enquire before coming and to adopt correct attire.

Why is the basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port classified by UNESCO?

Because it is part of the paths of Compostela inscribed in the world heritage; this jewel of Auvergne Romanesque art of the twelfth century, built in blond arkose, is considered as close to perfection with its sculpted portal, its pyramidal chevet and its more than two hundred and fifty capitals; saved from demolition after the Revolution thanks to a petition, it was raised to the rank of basilica at the end of the nineteenth century.

Where is the basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port in Clermont-Ferrand?

In the heart of the Port district, a few streets from the place Delille, in Clermont-Ferrand, in France.