Basilica of Notre-Dame du Port, Clermont-Ferrand, France
Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica is located in the Quartier du Port in Clermont-Ferrand.It is one of 10 ‘Major’ Romanesque churches of Basse-Auvergne, all located within 30kms of the city.
It is therefore believed that these churches had originally the same architectural and ornamental features.The Auvergne Romanesque architecture and art developed in the 11th and 12th centuries.They are both characterized by their rich ornamentation and consistency of style.
Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica was initially known as Sainte-Marie Principale (Major) in order to distinguish it from the neighbouring Cathédrale Sainte-Marie.However, it was eventually renamed after the Quartier du Port.The port or Portus was indeed the area where the goods, which arrived in town, were offloaded and stored.
Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica was listed historical monument in 1840.In 1998 UNESCO registered it as World Heritage Site on the list of the Ways of St Jacques de Compostela in France.
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