The visitor upon first seeing the basilica of Notre Dame de Marceille is immediately struck by its grandeur. Not only is it a substantial building but it is also one of exceptional beauty. The myriad of stone carvings and the quality with which the stone work in general has been executed suggests a building of high status. Normally such work was only reserved for cathedrals but here is present in all its glory. One is also immediately struck by the curious fact that the building stands alone in the middle of the countryside at some distance from the nearest town, Limoux.

        

         

There are innumerable reasons that might account for this but in reality one only needs to consult the ancient documents pertaining to the region to see why it was. The site has been more or less in constant occupation since the days of Paleolithic man; indeed it is believed the basilica was erected on top of an ancient Megalith. Clearly it is a special place. The fact also that there is abundant water nearby in the form of the river Aude as well as springs meant that it has always provided a very essential and fundamental ingredient. The basilica also has innumerable other curiosities that I will describe shortly but probably the most interesting of all is the presence of a Black Madonna.

Geographically the village of Rennes-le-Château is only a few miles distant and we have tangible evidence to show that several characters in that mystery showed some considerable interest in this place. One was of course the Abbé Henri Boudet and indeed he devotes an entire section of his book La Vraie Langue Celtique to the Miraculous spring as well as the Basilica.

Boudet - NDDM.

Within this section he also makes mention to the black madonna:

...Cela nous parait fort probable. Cette image de la Sainte Vierge, tenant sur ses bras son divin Fils et sculptée dans un bois noir, indique sa provenance orientale : sa position auprès d'une fontaine, et c'est bien dans un champ voisin de la petite source qu'on l'a retrouvée, nous désigne les premiers temps du Christianisme dans les Gaules...

It seems perfectly probable that Saunière too made visits to this place in particular when one considers that the basilica held a particular attraction for Monsignor Billard, the then bishop of Carcassonne. For Billard, Saunière was like a son or perhaps a brother. His fondness for the man was enormous and it is almost certain that Saunière would have benefited form all he did in life.  Like Saunière, Billard too suddenly came in to some considerable wealth and he made a point of taking a special interest in Notre Dame de Marceille, to such an extent in fact, that he actually purchased the property on his own behalf. Once in his possession of course, it's secrets would have been laid bare for those closest to him and indeed it is a place that has many. One in particular is the magnificent crypt that exists beneath the Basilica. It is said to extend for some distance and is lined by magnificent stone columns. For reasons not known its existence is strongly denied by both clergy and state and there is almost no information regarding who lies there or perhaps what other treasures may still be found there.

The Basilica has much more to offer and of considerable interest are the medallions painted upon the walls. Their content is reminiscent of those to be found at Brenac and to be honest the imagery is perhaps more in keeping with Free Masonry or perhaps even alchemy. In all there are 22 (different) medallions and as most of you will know from studying this mystery, the number 22 is highly significant in many churches of the region. It occurs with particular regularity in RLC. The photos that follow are in no particular order and my apologies for this.

              

                 

           

Notre Dame de Marceille also boasts some magnificent paintings and one in particular, the temptation of St. Anthony is particularly fine. It is also rather special in another way. On certain days of the year when the sun shines through the stained glass windows it creates a dazzling display of what is roughly termed "Blue apples". In fact the light falling on the painting is composed of multi coloured blobs and it is quite striking.

                        

             

The painting entitled the temptation of St. Anthony with detail photo:

  

This section is ever expanding and I will be adding more shortly.