{"id":11540,"date":"2024-05-20T07:30:05","date_gmt":"2024-05-20T05:30:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/visit-cathedrale-sainte-reparate-nice\/"},"modified":"2026-02-20T13:01:37","modified_gmt":"2026-02-20T12:01:37","slug":"visit-cathedral-sainte-reparate-nice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/en\/visit-cathedral-sainte-reparate-nice\/","title":{"rendered":"Cathedral Sainte-R\u00e9parate (Nice): visit + photos"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A curiosity in the vibrant heart of Nice, we were won over by the Cath\u00e9drale Sainte-R\u00e9parate<\/strong>. This Baroque-style edifice is steeped in history and has undergone numerous restorations. It is often said that the cathedral contains the soul of the city of Nice<\/strong>. Let yourself be carried away by its undeniable charm, with its white bell tower, its dome reminiscent of St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome and its 19th-century Rococo fa\u00e7ade.Here are some useful tips<\/strong> for planning your visit to Sainte-R\u00e9parate Cathedral in Nice.<\/p>\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 Sainte-R\u00e9parate Cathedral worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, for us, Nice’s Cath\u00e9dralke Sainte-R\u00e9parate is well worth a visit. A jewel in the heart of Vieux Nice dating from the 17th century, did you know that this is the city’s 1st medieval building? We learned a great deal about this place of worship and architectural landmark in Nice, listed as a Monument Historique since 1906. You’ll see that the cathedral is dedicated to Sainte R\u00e9parate, patron saint of the city and the Diocese of Nice.<\/p>\n\n

It’s one of the best things to do in Nice<\/a>!<\/p>\n\n

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

The majestic Rococo fa\u00e7ade<\/h3>\n\n
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When you arrive, take time to admire the surprising facade of this building, which was originally a chapel in the 11th century. We loved the architectural splendor and movement of this building, which has been transformed over the centuries since the Middle Ages. The current fa\u00e7ade was added in the 19th century and now blends perfectly into the landscape of Vieux Nice.<\/p>\n\n

Exterior statues and ornaments<\/h3>\n\n
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You won’t necessarily have much of a view of the cathedral, but take the time to have a good look at the many statues and ornaments on the fa\u00e7ade before entering. Curved mouldings and decorations bear witness to the Italian Rococo style of this 19th-century addition. We were amazed by the polychromy of this storefront, its abundance of ornamentation and its many sculpted statues. What do you think of this 18th-century artistic movement?<\/p>\n\n

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A war memorial stands in memory of the soldiers who gave their lives in WW2, on the right as you face the cathedral.<\/p>\n\n

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WHERE TO STAY IN Nice<\/span><\/h5>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On the waterfront, with sea view:Anantara Hotel<\/strong> – See prices, photos and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the new town, close to the sea:Hotel Apollinaire<\/strong>, elegant and bright – See prices, photos and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the old town, with all the charm: AparthotelAMMI Vieux Nice<\/strong> very practical and pleasant – see prices, photos and availability <\/a> <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

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See our complete selection of the best hotels in Nice<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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See available accommodation for your dates >>.<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

Part of the dome, a resplendent cupola<\/h3>\n\n
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Before entering, move a little to your right, look up and, turning your eyes slightly to the left, you’ll see part of the dome. Did you know that this dome is a smaller replica of the one in St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome? This beautiful piece can also be admired from another high vantage point, the Tour Saint-Fran\u00e7ois<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n

Its bell tower<\/h3>\n\n
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We noticed the differences in color and materials between various parts of the cathedral. The bell tower seems to stand as a separate building from the rest of the edifice. Can you see the white stone lighting up?<\/p>\n\n

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If you look closely at the top of the bell tower, this lantern-shaped campanile houses a bell used to call the faithful to prayer. It was this piece that brought construction of the cathedral’s main site to a close in 1757.<\/p>\n\n

Inside, the 2 side aisles<\/h3>\n\n
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Inside, you’ll be amazed by the beauty of its 2 side aisles. Our eyes were captivated by the detail of the mouldings on the various friezes and the light that penetrated the building. In the 17th century, it succeeded an earlier cathedral at Sainte-Marie du Ch\u00e2teau on the hill to the east of Nice. The expansion of Sainte-R\u00e9parate Cathedral over the centuries reflects the strong growth of the population and the desire to accommodate more worshippers.<\/p>\n\n

The chapels<\/h3>\n\n
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Inside, we counted 10 chapels, each more sumptuous than the last.<\/p>\n\n

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One of our most memorable chapels is the Chapel of the Crucifixion. Acquired and completed between 1679 and 1696, this chapel features a tall wooden crucifix. Admire the latter, which stands in front of an 1837 painting by Joseph Provensau. The painting depicts Saint John, the Virgin Mary and Mary Magdalene at prayer on Calvary.<\/p>\n\n

Canvas, paint and mouldings<\/h3>\n\n
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Other sublime delights on our visit: the canvases, paintings and moldings inside the building. Have you noticed that the building is inspired by St Peter’s Basilica in Rome? <\/p>\n\n

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The Baroque style is on full display, with paintings, statues, mouldings, sculpture and the richness of the materials used, offering us a veritable feast for the eyes.<\/p>\n\n

The organ<\/h3>\n\n
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The cathedral features 3 organs. The great organs are located on a gallery. The splendor of the buffet supporting this majestic musical instrument overlooking the nave.<\/p>\n\n

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We learned that the cathedral already had a great organ in the early 17th century, but after many restorations over the centuries, the current one you see in the picture dates from 1974, designed by French craftsmen Jean-Loup and Robert Boisseau. 2 other organs are housed in the building: the choir organ to the left of the transept, and the choir organ in the practice room.<\/p>\n\n

The altar<\/h3>\n\n
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Cross the nave to the altar. The colors, moldings and choice of materials will leave you speechless. A further testament to the Baroque style of this major Catholic place of worship in Nice.<\/p>\n\n

The stained glass windows<\/h3>\n\n
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Only a few are visible from the nave, but look up and you’ll see the colorful stained glass windows that let the light into the building.<\/p>\n\n

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Observe the subtle differences in shape and color that make each stained glass window unique. The frescoes, moldings and sculptures, as well as the many works of art, blend perfectly with the brightly colored stained glass windows. We loved the sparkling effect throughout the building.<\/p>\n\n

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OUR TPS FOR RENTING YOUR CAR IN \nProvence<\/span><\/h5>\n\n\n\n