{"id":10286,"date":"2024-03-08T16:28:16","date_gmt":"2024-03-08T15:28:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/visit-basilique-saint-michel-archange-menton\/"},"modified":"2024-05-27T18:27:55","modified_gmt":"2024-05-27T16:27:55","slug":"visit-basilica-saint-michel-archange-menton","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/en\/visit-basilica-saint-michel-archange-menton\/","title":{"rendered":"Basilica Saint Michel Archange (Menton): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re passing through Menton, don’t miss the Basilica Saint-Michel-Archange. It’s a jewel of Baroque architecture nestled at the tip of the old town. Access from the sea is via the famous Saint-Michel ramps.Here are some useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange in Menton.<\/p>\n\n

\"visit<\/figure>\n\n
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This guide is completely independent<\/strong>, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Is a visit to the Basilica of St Michael the Archangel worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, the basilica is well worth a visit. In fact, it’s one of our top things to do in Menton (article to come). Its Baroque architecture and rich decorations bear witness to both the region’s religious history and the devotion of its artists and faithful. We were captivated by the refinement of the ceiling in the great nave, and dazzled by the golds reflecting the soft light from the high dormer windows. The subdued atmosphere is particularly conducive to spirituality and contemplation. The basilica and its square have been listed as a Monument Historique since 1947.<\/p>\n\n

This is one of Menton’s must-see places<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

\"Interior<\/figure>\n\n

What you can see<\/h2>\n\n

Saint-Michel square<\/h3>\n\n

On the parterre calad\u00e9 (mosaic of white and black pebbles) of the forecourt, the lozenges represent the arms of the Grimaldi family. One side opens onto the sea. This is where the Menton Music Festival concerts are held in summer. Find out more here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

\"parvis<\/figure>\n\n

The Baroque fa\u00e7ade <\/h3>\n\n

The facade dates from the 19th century. It features the archangel Saint-Michel, patron saint of Menton, at its center. On the left, the clock tower, on the right the campanile and at the top of the steps the bare fa\u00e7ade of the Chapelle des P\u00e9nitents Blancs.<\/p>\n\n

\"parvis<\/figure>\n\n

The bell tower<\/h3>\n\n

53m high, it dates from the 18th century. The first levels of square sections are topped by elegant spinning tops. The dome is covered with fish-scale tiles.<\/p>\n\n

\"Campanile<\/figure>\n\n

The ceiling of the central nave<\/h3>\n\n

The ceiling impressed us with its refinement and the subtlety of its colors. It is a masterpiece, towering above a nave over 20m long and 10m wide.<\/p>\n\n

\"Central<\/figure>\n\n

High windows<\/h3>\n\n

High dormer windows at the base of the vaults highlight the ceiling of the great nave. They seem to illuminate only him, inviting visitors to look up to the sky.<\/p>\n\n

\"Window<\/figure>\n\n

The representation of Saint-Michel<\/h3>\n\n

The ceiling decoration dates from the late 19th century. It features a representation of the archangel Saint-Michel striking down the devil. This representation is a copy by Raphael.<\/p>\n\n

\"depiction<\/figure>\n\n

The 10 chapels<\/h3>\n\n

The basilica comprises 10 chapels. Most of them are the funeral chapels of Menton’s leading families. The ceiling decorations, often from the 19th century, feature absolutely sumptuous trompe-l’\u0153il paintings.<\/p>\n\n

\"Chapelle
La Chapelle Sainte-D\u00e9vote<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n

The sanctuary<\/h3>\n\n

All that remains of the original organ is the Italian-style case. The instrumental part was rebuilt in the early 20th century. Above the richly decorated altar stands a painted and gilded wooden statue of St. Michael the Archangel trampling the Devil<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n

\"Sanctuary<\/figure>\n\n

The golds of the chair<\/h3>\n\n

The pulpit shines brightly. It stands on a Tuscan column and was made possible by the generosity of a large family from Menton.<\/p>\n\n

\"Chair<\/figure>\n\n

The ceiling of the baptistery<\/h3>\n\n

It’s a magnificent trompe-l’oeil dating from the 19th century, like most of those in the basilica’s chapels. Don’t forget to look up during your visit: the ceilings are real gems.<\/p>\n\n

\"Ceiling<\/figure>\n\n

Saint-Michel-Archange Basilica in Menton: how to get there<\/h2>\n\n

Where is the basilica?<\/h3>\n\n