The cathedral's foundation stone was laid in 1854, but the nave and facade were not completed until 1999.
The facade's translucent marble panels are supported by a metal structure and allow light to filter into the narthex.
The 12th-century statue of Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille, which gives the cathedral its name, was once housed in the collegiate church of Saint-Pierre.
The cathedral holds an annual procession in October to celebrate the patron saint of the city.
The cathedral was granted the status of a basilica by Pope Pius X in 1904.
During the construction delay in the 20th century, the site remained partially finished with only the choir and transept standing for decades.
Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille is a neo-Gothic cathedral in Lille known for its striking, avant-garde facade completed in 1999. The structure houses a museum of sacred art featuring religious objects, paintings, and sculptures from the diocesan collection. Construction of the cathedral began in 1854 but remained unfinished for over a century due to funding interruptions. The 1999 facade design by Peter Rice and Pierre-Louis Carlier features a thin slab of translucent marble that glows from internal light. The cathedral is dedicated to a 12th-century statue of the Virgin Mary, known as Notre-Dame-de-la-Treille, which is the patron saint of Lille. The interior contains the remains of the former bishops of Lille. It serves as the seat of the Archbishop of Lille and functions as an active Catholic place of worship.
Position yourself across the square to capture the contrast between the historic red brick side walls and the modern white marble facade.
Walk up close to the facade to observe the unique translucent properties of the marble panels.
Visit the small museum space inside to view the rotating collection of diocesan artifacts.
Take time to explore the interior choir, which displays a much more traditional neo-Gothic aesthetic compared to the modern entrance.
Do not overlook the modern facade as merely a decorative feature; it is an engineering feat that defines the building's current identity.
Maintain a quiet volume as this is an active place of worship; avoid photography during ongoing religious services.
