The Basilica of Notre-Dame de Brebières, the most remarkable site in Albert, stands out with its stunning neo-Byzantine architecture. Nestled in the heart of the city on the Place d'Armes, it is conveniently located next to the Somme 1916 Museum. The tower reaches an impressive height of 78 meters, crowned by a 5-meter statue of the Virgin Mary and a 1.85-meter figure of the Child.
Its striking visibility from afar can be attributed to the 25,000 gold leaves adorning its dome, amounting to approximately 180 grams of pure gold. Inaugurated in 1901, the Basilica was famously dubbed the "Lourdes of the North" by Pope Leo XIII. That same year, two cardinals and around thirty bishops consecrated the building and crowned the "miraculous statue," which had received the title of Basilica from Rome.
Every year in September, around the 8th, a novena is held at the Basilica, drawing faithful from all corners of the globe. Over the years, the pilgrimage to Notre-Dame de Brebières has been graced by illustrious pilgrims, including Charles the Good, Saint Louis, Saint Colette of Corbie, Saint Vincent de Paul, and Saint Benoît Labre.
