Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica – Clermont-Ferrand

Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica

Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica
Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica

Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica is located in the Quartier du Port of Clermont-Ferrand.

It is one of the ten major Romanesque churches of Basse Auvergne, all clustered within a 30-kilometre radius of the city. These churches likely originally shared a rich decorative scheme and architectural harmony, reflecting the distinctive Auvergne Romanesque style that flourished in the 11th and 12th centuries.

Initially named Sainte-Marie Principale to distinguish it from the neighbouring Sainte-Marie Cathedral, the basilica eventually became named after the Quartier du Port, where it stands. This port, or Portus, once served as a hub for unloading and storing goods arriving in the city.

The Notre-Dame-du-Port basilica was classified as a historical monument in 1840, and inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1998 as part of the Routes of Santiago de Compostela in France.

Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica founded by St. Avitus

South portal
South portal

Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica was founded in the 6th century by Saint Avitus, the 18th Bishop of Clermont, but was devastated and pillaged during the Norman invasions of the 9th century.

It was only in the 11th and 12th centuries that it was rebuilt, using local sandstone known as arkose blonde.

Unfortunately, located in the heart of the ancient volcanoes of Auvergne, it was seriously damaged by earthquakes in the 15th century.

The basilica was initially served by a community of canons, who were replaced by secular clergy after the 13th century.

Abside
Abside

It also underwent several changes over the centuries, including modifications to its bell tower in the 19th century, which unfortunately obscured some of the original Romanesque architectural features.

A major restoration project was therefore undertaken between 2007 and 2008 to restore the church to its early 20th-century appearance.

During this period, the statue of Notre-Dame-du-Port – Our Lady of the Port was temporarily moved to the nearby cathedral and was returned to its original location on Sunday, December 7, 2008, once the restoration was complete.

A masterpiece of Auvergne Romanesque architecture

Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica - carved capital
Capital carved with two angels

Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica is a true masterpiece of Auvergne Romanesque architecture.

Built according to the plan of a Latin cross basilica, its interior is a marvel of diversity, thanks to the refinement of its decoration and the presence of four radiating chapels opening onto the ambulatory.

The finely sculpted capitals, considered among the most beautiful in Auvergne, depict biblical scenes, including the expulsion of Adam and Eve from Paradise.

One of these capitals, indeed depicts an angel grasping Adam by the beard, while Adam, torn by guilt, is shown pulling Eve’s hair.

Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica - carved capital
Capital carved with the devil

Another major theme in the sculptures is the eternal struggle between vices, such as avarice, and virtues, such as generosity and charity.

The tympanum, equally remarkable, depicts Christ in Majesty, surrounded by the four Evangelists and two multi-winged angels.

Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica also houses a small statue of the Black Madonna in the Souterraine, the crypt located beneath the choir.

Department of Puy-de-Dôme – Clermont-Ferrand – Rue Notre Dame du Port – Auvergne region
Coordinates: Lat 45.780721 – Long 3.089233

Photos via Wikimedia Commons: Header and Abside and Photo1 by Espirat CC BY-SA 4.0 – South portal by (:Julien:) CC BY-SA 3.0 – Capital with Devil and Capital with two angels by Stockholm CC BY-SA 4.0

Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes – Latest content