Basilica of Notre-Dame-du-Port, Clermont-Ferrand

This is one of the oldest surviving churches in France, its construction began in the early 12th century on the site of an even older one, mentions of which date back to the 10th century. The building is constructed of arkose stone, a light sandstone quarried in the quarries of Montpeyroux. The church was damaged during the earthquakes of 1478 and 1490, as a result of the latter one of the towers collapsed. In the era of the revolutions of the 90s of the 18th century, the basilica was looted, the towers, which were in a dilapidated state, were demolished, and the bells were sent for melting. In February 1800, the militant atheists of the city tried to achieve the demolition of the church, but the city authorities had the sense to preserve the historical structure. In 1840, the church was included in the first French list of architectural monuments, in 1998 the church was included in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. Over the past two centuries, the basilica has been repaired and rebuilt several times, the last restoration ended in 2006, as a result of which the church acquired a medieval appearance.

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