Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille: Lille's Modern Gothic Marvel

Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille Cathedral stands in the heart of Old Lille as a testament to architectural evolution and enduring faith. Its most defining feature is the striking blend of 19th-century Neo-Gothic design with a bold, contemporary western facade, the result of a construction project that spanned nearly 150 years.

A Century-Spanning Construction

The journey of Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille began in 1854 with the laying of the first stone. The initial design, conceived by architect Charles Leroy, was for a grand Gothic Revival edifice. However, the project was fraught with delays. A significant milestone occurred in 1913 when the Diocese of Lille was created, elevating the unfinished basilica to the rank of a cathedral. Efforts to continue the ambitious construction were revitalized in 1947 under the direction of Cardinal Liénart, whose tomb now rests in the crypt. For half a century, a temporary brick facade stood in place before the structure was finally completed in 1999.

The Striking Modern Facade

The cathedral's completion was marked by the inauguration of its unique modern facade in 1999. Designed by architect Pierre-Louis Carlier and engineered by Peter Rice, who also contributed to the Sydney Opera House and Pompidou Centre, the facade is a marvel of late 20th-century design. It consists of a massive arch filled with 110 plates of translucent marble, each 28 millimeters thick. This feature creates a dramatic contrast with the building's Neo-Gothic body and has led some to describe it as looking like a 'spaceship'. From inside, the marble panels filter natural light, bathing the interior in a warm, orange-pink hue.

Historical and Spiritual Significance

The cathedral was originally conceived to house a miraculous 12th or 13th-century statue known as "Our Lady of the Treille," named for the iron trellis that once protected it. This statue was credited with numerous miracles, including healing the sick in 1254. The new church was intended to replace the Collegiate Church of St. Peter, which enshrined the statue before being destroyed during the French Revolution. In 1667, King Louis XIV swore to uphold the liberties of Lille before the statue. The original relic was stolen in 1959 and has been replaced by a carving by Marie Madeleine Weerts. The cathedral itself is built upon an ancient feudal mound, a site where historians believe the Counts of Flanders once had their keep.

The Cathedral Today

As the seat of the Archdiocese of Lille, Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille is an active Roman Catholic church hosting regular Mass and services. It is open to the public daily with free admission for individual visits. The crypt contains the Centre d'Art Sacré, which exhibits religious and contemporary art, including pieces by Andy Warhol and Georg Baselitz. The cathedral also features one of the largest organs in France, originally from the Maison de la Radio, and frequently hosts organ concerts and other cultural events.