Basilique Notre-Dame du Port, à Clermont-Ferrand

The use of arkose, a clear stone that gives the basilica its blonde tone, is particularly highlighted by the lava rock decorations that crown the apse. This play of materials confers the building a unique aesthetic while emphasizing the virtuosity of the Romanesque artisans.

Notre-Dame-du-Port Basilica is not only a religious monument but also an architectural masterpiece that reflects the expertise and diversity of the XIIth-century craftsmen. Its presence at the heart of Clermont-Ferrand makes it a living testimony to Romanesque history in Auvergne, and its inscription on UNESCO’s World Heritage list underscores its central role in the Way of St. James.