Statue of Our Lady of France made from Russian cannons

The statue of Our Lady of France in Le Puy-en-Velay, France, is a real feat of 19th century technique. It is made from metal taken from 213 Russian cannons captured during the Crimean War and given to the town of Le Puy-en-Velay by the Emperor Napoleon III.

The sculpture was the work of Jean-Marie Bonnassieux. It is 22.70 meters high and weighs 835 tons. The statue was completely renovated in 2013.

Our Lady of France stands on the town’s highest point, the volcanic Corneille Rock, at an altitude of 757 meters.

The site provides a wide range of views and an exceptional panorama over the cathedral, the old town and all the region.

The statue is accessible by foot.

The colossal statue was blessed on September 12, 1860.

The idea of creating this statue came from Jesuit Father de Ravignan and apostolic missionary Abbé Combalot, and was instantly popular. In 1850, the project for a giant statue of Our Lady of France was submitted to a competition. M. Bonassieux's model was adopted.

Work began immediately, and a national subscription campaign was launched. The 300,000 children raised by the Brothers pledged to provide the base; the Bishop, Mgr de Morlhon, offered 10,000 francs; Emperor Napoleon III did the same; the departments sent 300,000 francs. 

But who would supply the metal?  "Ask the Emperor for Russian cannons, we'll take them!" wrote Marshal Pélissier in front of Sébastopol. It was September 5. Three days later, the Malakoff Tower was captured , and the Sebastopol arsenals fell to our soldiers. Once peace was signed, the Emperor presented the bishop of Le Puy with 213 cannons, representing 150,000 kilograms of bronze. 

The statue, cast in Givors, is sixteen meters high. The Infant Jesus, carried in the arms of his Mother, extends his hand of blessing over Le Puy.

The monument was inaugurated on September 12, 1860, in the presence of twelve archbishops and bishops and 100,000 pilgrims. When the prelates all lifted their hands to bless the gigantic image, set on a 7-meter pedestal, a huge cheer rang out: "Long live Our Lady of France!"

The Mary of Nazareth team

Source: www.lepuyenvelay-tourisme.co.uk