The monumental statue of the Virgin Mary that dominates the square bell tower of Notre-Dame-de-la-Garde Basilica in Marseille is 36.7 ft (11.2 m) high and weighs almost 22,600 lbs (9,800 kg). Hollow and gilded with gold leaf, the statue requires a thorough regilding with 1.1 pounds (500 grams) of gold approximately every thirty years. It was first regilded in 1897, and its last restoration took place in 1989. The basilica's architect, Henry Espérandieu, designed a steel spire to support the statue, which contains a staircase providing access to the head of the Virgin to contemplate Marseille through the eyes of its Bonne Mère (Good Mother).