Notre Dame D'Afrique
Located north of Algiers on a promontory 125 meters above sea level and overlooking the city of Algiers, capital of Algeria.
Its construction started in 1858 by Monsignor Pavy, who intended a sanctuary according to the Fourviére model. His style was inspired by Roman and Byzantine references.
It was consecrated 14 years later (1872) by its successor Monsignor Lavigerie, founder of the Order of the White Fathers.
It has the particularity of having, at the Altar, a Black Virgin.
The Basilica, which has always been frequented by Christians and Muslims, receives 100,000 visitors annually.
In 2003 it was the target of considerable destruction due to an earthquake, having undergone reconstruction in 2007 and inauguration in 2010.
The basilica contains forty-six stained glass windows, placed in the sec. XIX by the master glassmaker Guilbert d’Auelle de Avignon. They were the object of restoration after their destruction following the bombing of April 16, 1943.
With the 2003 earthquake, it was necessary to replace them again, having to resort to specialist glassmakers from Marseille.
It also incorporates an organ that was donated to the basilica by Mrs. Weddell in 1930, having been restored between 200 and 2002. This organ has 26 pieces and more than 1500 tubes. It was built as a concert organ by the manufacturer Cavaillé-Coll with the signature of Charles Mutin for the residence of Mr E Mrs Weddell.
The decoration of the basilica includes in the center of the dome under the statue of the Virgin, a ceramic due to Mohamed Boumehdi (1924-2006), a Muslim artist. The gold-crowned statue is covered by a blue velvet cloak embroidered with gold thread covered with gold by M.Sekkal, Tlemcen's embroidery master. The bronze statue was sculpted by Charles Gallien Choiselat (1816-1858), a Parisian sculptor.
A great fresco, in the background, represents Mary in glory, venerated by Cardinal Lavigerie, surrounded by characters that evoke the Christian past of North Africa.
Below the fresco, there is a phrase inscribed in stone in the French, Arabic and Berber languages:
«Notre Dame d'Afrique priez pour nous et pour les Musulmans. »
On April 30, Notre Dame d'Afrique is celebrated.
The basilica has been classified on Algeria's list of cultural goods as a historic monument since 12 September 2012.
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