{"id":10369,"date":"2024-03-12T13:59:56","date_gmt":"2024-03-12T12:59:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/visit-eglise-saint-michel-villefranche-sur-mer\/"},"modified":"2024-06-01T10:43:33","modified_gmt":"2024-06-01T08:43:33","slug":"visit-church-saint-michel-villefranche-sur-mer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/en\/visit-church-saint-michel-villefranche-sur-mer\/","title":{"rendered":"Saint-Michel church (Villefranche-sur-Mer): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

If you’re spending a few days on the C\u00f4te d’Azur, be sure to wander through the steep streets of Villefranche-sur-Mer and visit the Church of Saint-Michel<\/strong>. It’s a real jewel set by the houses that line the slopes overlooking the bay.<\/p>\n\n

Here are some useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to Saint-Michel Church in Villefranche-sur-Mer.<\/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 Villefranche-sur-Mer’s Saint-Michel Church worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, the church is well worth a visit. Its uncluttered, sober Baroque architecture is a Mediterranean adaptation of the Piedmontese Baroque style. It contrasts with the Basilique Saint-Michel Archange in Menton, which we invite you to discover in the article we devoted to it<\/a>. It also houses treasures such as its organ and a number of remarkable paintings and objects. <\/p>\n\n

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

\"Painting<\/figure>\n\n

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

The bell tower from the alleyways<\/h3>\n\n

The bell tower is easy to spot in the narrow streets of the old town. Just follow it to find Saint-Michel Church. Its mosaic tile roof, typical of the region, is a marvel.<\/p>\n\n

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

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

Situated in the heart of the old town, the Church of Saint Michel has all the hallmarks of a stripped-back Baroque style, a perfect transposition of Piedmontese Baroque into the Mediterranean landscape.<\/p>\n\n

\"Facade<\/figure>\n\n

The Grinda brothers’ organ<\/h3>\n\n

Built by the Grinda brothers (organ builders from Nice), the monumental organ dates from 1790. The organ case by carpenter Giovanni Antonio Mangiapano has been listed since 1971. It’s magnificent.<\/p>\n\n

\"organ<\/figure>\n\n

The pastel-toned nave<\/h3>\n\n

The church is built on a Latin cross plan. The nave has 2 bays and is lit by oculi located above the side aisles on either side of the nave. The sober ceilings alternate ochre and pink.<\/p>\n\n

\"nave<\/figure>\n\n

The statue of Saint-Roch<\/h3>\n\n

A statue of Saint Roch depicts him as a hermit, with his pilgrim’s staff. After contracting leprosy, he is fed by a dog.<\/p>\n\n

\"Saint-Roch<\/figure>\n\n

The Assumption of the Virgin Mary<\/h3>\n\n

The Immaculate Virgin is depicted standing on a cloud, with the monstrous serpent, symbol of sin, and the tip of the crescent moon. Her radiant face is surrounded by cherubs.<\/p>\n\n

\"Assumption<\/figure>\n\n

A life-size recumbent Christ<\/h3>\n\n

The life-size recumbent Christ impressed us greatly, despite his serene face. It was carved by an anonymous galley slave from a single block of fig wood. It dates from the 17th century. <\/p>\n\n

\"Lying<\/figure>\n\n

The high altar<\/h3>\n\n

Behind the high altar, a Baroque frame<\/strong> features 4 medallions around Saint Michael the Archangel hurling the damned into Hell<\/em>. It shows Saint Charles Borromeo praying<\/em>, Saint Roch meditating<\/em>, the Decollation of Saint Hospice<\/em> and Saint Elizabeth of<\/em> Hungary.<\/p>\n\n

\"Altarpiece<\/figure>\n\n

The Virgin and Child in gold<\/h3>\n\n

To the right of the main altar, another Baroque altar features a magnificent Madonna and Child, completely gilded, set in a blue niche. The frame contains 15 small medallion paintings.<\/p>\n\n

\"altar<\/figure>\n\n

Saint-Michel church in Villefranche-sur-Mer: how to get there<\/h2>\n\n

Where Saint-Michel Church is located<\/h3>\n\n