Built in the Romanesque-Byzantine style, the cathedral is one of Monaco’s must-see monuments. Consecrated in 1911, it is an important symbol of the principality’s history, famous for housing the tombs of its princes and princesses. Rich in works of art, including remarkable altarpieces and altarpieces, we strongly recommend a visit. This massive structure overlooks the tourist district of Le Rocher: you won’t want to miss it!
Here are some useful tips for planning your visit to Monaco Cathedral.
This guide is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Is a visit to the cathedral worth it?
Yes, it’s a must! We were seduced by both the exterior and interior of this building, which left a lasting impression on us. Indeed, we were surprised by the number of remarkable works the cathedral contains. We were able to admire magnificent altarpieces and mosaics, typical of the Byzantine style! Very spacious and massive, the cathedral impresses. It’s hard to imagine that it was built only recently, in the 19th century! It replaced the 16th-century church of Saint-Nicolas, following the separation of the Nice diocese from Monaco in 1868.
It’s one of Monaco’s best activities!
What you can see
Remains of Saint-Nicolas Church
We arrived at the cathedral from the back, on a pedestrian street. We were also able to observe the remains of the former Church of Saint-Nicolas, displayed on the side of the cathedral, as a reminder of the Monegasque people’s attachment to this monument. It should be remembered that the princely government decided to demolish this 14th-century church when the principality separated from the diocese of Nice in 1868. Construction of the present cathedral began in 1875 and was completed in 1903. You’ll see mainly capitals and columns from the original church, but also a 15th-century bell. It marked the principality’s liberation from Spanish control in 1641.
A Romanesque-Byzantine façade
The Romanesque-Byzantine architectural style developed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. As its name suggests, it is characterized by Romanesque and Byzantine architectural influences. This style was particularly popular in the south of France, with the construction of iconic monuments such as the Basilique Notre-Dame de la Garde in Marseille. What struck us most was the cathedral’s massive appearance (a Byzantine characteristic). In fact, it was designed to accommodate over 1,000 people! It is 22m wide and 18m high. The whiteness of the building also caught our eye. This is due to the use of white stone from La Turbie, a town in the hills just behind Monaco!
A mosaic dedicated to Saint Nicholas
It’s all very personal, but we noticed this mosaic dedicated to St. Nicholas just after we entered the cathedral. We found it superb, with its subtle nuances of golds and shades of browns, blacks and silvers, which perfectly matched the color of the building’s stones. It further emphasizes the monument’s Byzantine influence. Thanks to a cartel, we learned that it had been created by Provence-based artist Larissa Perekrestova. A gift from the Republic of Ukraine.
Impressive altarpieces
Throughout your visit, you’ll be able to admire some superb altarpieces. Our favorite is the one dedicated to St. Nicholas, created in 1500 by Italian painter Louis Bréa. Active in Nice, you can also admire his altarpiece of the Virgin of the Rosary in Antibes Cathedral. However, this one is our favorite, with its vibrant colors and finely carved gilding. You’ll see St. Nicholas in the center, surrounded on his left by St. Stephen and the archangel St. Michael, and on his right by St. Lawrence and St. Mary Magdalene.
Magnificent altars
We were impressed by the cathedral’s magnificent altars! As we entered, we admired an altar dedicated to Sainte-Dévote, patron saint of Monaco. It featured beautiful mosaics by the Venetian master Faccina. But it’s the altar in the Chapelle du Saint-Sacrement that stands out the most. Dated 1667, it attracted all visitors with its brilliance! It was built in gilded walnut leaf, in the Spanish Renaissance style characterized by a complex and meticulous decorative profusion. At the base of the altar, you’ll see a statue of the Sacred Heart, surrounded by bread and wine referring to the Eucharist. Above the tabernacle is a Christ of Pity.
An episcopal throne
The tour continues around the choir, where you can see an episcopal throne in Carrara marble. We found this seat, reserved for the Archbishop of Monaco, magnificent! However, you won’t be able to get close to it, as it’s an area off-limits to the public. We advise you to look at it between the columns surrounding the choir!
Graves of the princely family
The cathedral is famous for housing the tombs of the princely family. They are located in the ambulatory, i.e. the gallery surrounding the choir. They are protected by chains, but you can easily see them. Most of Monaco’s princes and princesses are buried here, including the first 16th-century lords of the House of Grimaldi, a dynasty originally from Genoa, from which the current sovereigns are descended. We paid particular attention to the tomb of Prince Rainier III (1923-2005), to whom we owe many of Monaco’s museums and tourist attractions, and that of his wife, the American actress Grace Kelly (1929-1982).
A splendid mosaic of Notre-Dame-Immaculée
As you leave the ambulatory, turn around and look up towards the apse. Its domed ceiling features a splendid mosaic in the tradition of Byzantine religious buildings. Biblical figures and cherubs are depicted in rather frozen poses reminiscent of Byzantine iconography. In the center, the Virgin Mary in majesty with the Christ Child. We were amazed by the brilliance of the colors and the sparkling gold!
Massive organs
As you make your way to the exit, you can’t miss the great organ. We found it particularly massive with its 4 keyboards and 7,000 pipes! You’ll think you’re looking at a particularly modern instrument, and you are. The original organ, built in 1976, was rebuilt by Manufacture Thomas (Belgium) in 2011. The result is a unique instrument, featuring thin sheets of Plexiglas that change color! Thanks to LEDs, the organ takes on different colors depending on the tones played by the organist! We would have loved to see that! A second organ, in the choir, is more discreet. It was produced in Italy in 1976.
Cathédrale Notre-Dame-Immaculée in Monaco: how to get there
Where is the cathedral?
- The cathedral is located in the Rocher district of the Principality of Monaco.
- To get there, it’s a 5-minute walk from the Palais Princier, a 20-minute walk from the train station, and a 30-minute walk from the famous Place du Casino.
Access by car and parking
You’ll find a number of underground parking lots in the vicinity of the museum, all of which are subject to a charge (for parking longer than 1 hour). A ten-minute walk from the cathedral, you’ll find the “Chemin des Pêcheurs” and “Podziemny” parking lots (public elevators and escalators will get you there quickly). You can also park at the Quai Antoine 1er parking lot, but the climb up to the Rocher district is steep. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the cathedral.
OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN Provence
- Compare prices on our preferred platform: DiscoverCars – one of the best rated sites.
- Choose a car that is powerful enough (the roads are steep) but compact (some passages are narrow).
- Think of thecomplete insurance (some roads are tortuous and narrow).
- There is a lot of demand, book it early.
Public transport access
The principality has an extensive bus network. You can easily reach the cathedral by taking lines 1 and 2, then getting off at the “Monaco Ville (le Rocher)” stop. You can also opt for lines 3, 4 and 6 (Princesse Stéphanie stop), but you’ll need to take the climb up to the Rocher (15-20min walk). To plan your itinerary, we recommend you visit the official transport network website here.
Visiting difficulties
The cathedral is accessible to people with reduced mobility via the St. John Paul II side entrance. The main entrance has a few steps. Inside, there’s plenty of space for wheelchairs. We recommend that you reach the Rocher by public transport. There are public elevators and escalators linking Chemin des Pêcheurs and Avenue Saint-Martin. To find out more, we recommend downloading the city map here, which shows the location of escalators, public elevators and staircases.
A special brochure for people with reduced mobility is also available here.
Visiting Notre-Dame Immaculée Cathedral: useful tips
Schedules and prices
Admission to the cathedral is free. It is open every day from 8.15am to 7pm.
For a visit to the cathedral, we advise you to avoid the regular 10:30 a.m. Sunday masses. There are also other occasional masses during the week. To find out more, visit the official diocesan website here.
How long
Allow 20 to 45 minutes for the visit, depending on your interest in architecture and religious art.
Best moment
The cathedral is a must-see monument in the principality. It’s also located in the popular tourist district of Le Rocher. We advise you to visit in the morning to minimize the number of visitors, especially during the summer months. If you can, avoid weekends. Then why not take advantage of the nearby Musée Océanographique or Palais Princier?
Direction of visit
For reasons of safety and visitor flow management, one direction of visit is compulsory. As you enter, turn right. This will allow you to tour the cathedral.
Eating out
There are numerous restaurants within easy reach of the cathedral. For example, we recommend the restaurant Le Petit Bar, which you can find in our article on the best restaurants in Monaco.
Hotels
You won’t find any hotels in the Rocher district. If you want to stay nearby, we recommend you choose a hotel on Port-Hercule. To help you find your way around, here are our recommendations:
WHERE TO STAY IN Monaco
Option 1: In Monte Carlo
Discover luxury palaces in Monaco’s most sought-after district:
- Hotel de Paris – see prices, pictures and availability
- Hermitage Hotel – see prices, photos and availability
- Hotel Métropole – see prices, photos and availability
Option 2: Larvotto
Close to Larvotto beach, you’ll find some splendid resort hotels.
We recommend..:
- Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort – view prices, pictures and availability
- Le Méridien Beach Plaza – view prices, pictures and availability
Option 3: At Port-Hercule
Boutique hotels, with superb views of the port and the Rock.
- Hotel Miramar – prices, pictures and availability
- Port Palace – see prices, photos and availability
