{"id":11578,"date":"2024-05-22T13:31:25","date_gmt":"2024-05-22T11:31:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/visit-church-annunciation-saint-rita-nice\/"},"modified":"2026-02-19T18:05:52","modified_gmt":"2026-02-19T17:05:52","slug":"visit-church-annunciation-sainte-rita-nice","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/provencelovers.fr\/en\/visit-church-annunciation-sainte-rita-nice\/","title":{"rendered":"Church of the Annunciation (Chapelle Sainte-Rita) in Nice: visit"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Stroll through the narrow streets of Vieux Nice and discover the 13th-century Church of the Annunciation<\/strong>. Behind its sober fa\u00e7ade, you’ll discover a wealth of Baroque<\/strong> ornamentation inside. Ready to discover one of the city’s oldest churches?Here are some useful tips<\/strong> to help you plan your visit toSaint Rita’s Church in Nice<\/strong>.<\/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 St Rita’s worthwhile?<\/h2>\n\n

Yes, we think the Church of Saint Rita in Nice is well worth a visit. We were charmed by the calm and serenity of this church in Vieux Nice, also known as \u00c9glise de l’Annonciation and listed as a Monument Historique since 1942.<\/p>\n\n

This is one of the most beautiful churches in Nice, and we’ve listed it in our article on the best things to do in the city<\/a>! \u00c9glise Sainte-Rita has 6 side chapels inside, but we’ve only listed the ones that stood out for us in this article.<\/p>\n\n

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

A discreet fa\u00e7ade<\/h3>\n\n
\"façade<\/figure>\n\n

When you arrive, you’ll notice that the ochre-yellow facade is not particularly ornate. What’s more, the discreet entrance is via the small, pedestrian Poissonnerie alleyway in the old town. The simplicity of the fa\u00e7ade reinforced our surprise when we entered. After undergoing successive restorations, it remains unfinished to this day.<\/p>\n\n

The luminous nave<\/h3>\n\n
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As you pass through the doors of this place of worship, it’s a completely different scene! We were amazed by the natural luminosity and light provided by the decorative elements in the nave. The nave of the church is decorated in the Baroque style, characterized by rich materials and complex shapes. You’ll be amazed when you step inside! The frescoes in this nave are quite incredible. Have you noticed its rectangular shape?<\/p>\n\n

The organ<\/h3>\n\n
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Once you’re past the surprise of inner beauty, turn around and look up. You’ll catch a glimpse of the gallery organ and its case, which sits parallel to the semi-circular choir on the other side of the nave. Did you know that it was designed by Italian organ builder Lingiardi Luigi in the mid-19th century?<\/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 a view of the sea:Anantara Hotel<\/strong> – see prices, photos and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the new town, near the sea:The Apollinaire Hotel<\/strong>: elegant and bright\u2014 see prices, photos and availability<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the old town, with all its charm:AMMI Vieux Nice Aparthotel<\/strong>: convenient and pleasant\u2014 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

The Chapel of Saint Erasmus<\/h3>\n\n
\"Saint<\/figure>\n\n

In Nice, Saint-\u00c9rasme (also known as Saint-Elme) protects sailors. The current Tour Bellanda in the Parc de la Colline du Ch\u00e2teau<\/a> facing the Baie des Anges was formerly known as Tour Saint-Elme. If you look closely, elements of this chapel refer to navigational instruments, such as the anchor, the rudder and the oar at the top left of the vault. It also bears the saint’s motto Iras maris frangit<\/em>, meaning “He breaks the wrath of the seas”. Finally, the central anonymous 17th-century canvas depicts Saint-\u00c9rasme himself.<\/p>\n\n

The Annunciation<\/h3>\n\n
\"Painting<\/figure>\n\n

Facing the nave, the magnificent painting of The Annunciation is a must-see in this Old Nice church. It represents the biblical episode in the New Testament when the archangel Gabriel announces his divine maternity to the Virgin Mary. This painting, by Russian artist K.A. Chevelkine, was donated by Nice general Alexandre Michaud after the fire of 1834. He himself had received the painting from Imperial Russian Tsar Alexander I. We learned that since that date, the church has been named after the Annunciation.<\/p>\n\n

The Chapel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary<\/h3>\n\n
\"Chapel<\/figure>\n\n

Another remarkable chapel, the Chapel of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, impressed us with its many symbols. This mid-19th-century painting by Cottolengo features the Archangel Gabriel, messenger of the Annunciation to the Virgin Mary, and the Virgin of the Immaculate Heart<\/em> in the guise of the woman from the Apocalypse, her heart pierced by a dagger. Other saints are symbolized: Saint Michael, Saint Alphonsus and Saint Teresa of Avila. If you look at the painting in detail, you’ll see the ships full of fishermen converging on the Virgin Mary at her feet.<\/p>\n\n

The Chapel of Our Lady of Mount Carmel<\/h3>\n\n
\"Madonna<\/figure>\n\n

Another curiosity in this church dating from the Middle Ages is the sublime marble Chapel of the Madonna of Mount Carmel! We were speechless in the face of such beauty and refinement. This unique work of art depicts the statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel with the Infant Jesus. This 18th-century statue of the Virgin and Child<\/em> is part of the decorative ensemble designed by Cornelano. The twists of the 2 marble columns surrounding this marvel invited us to look up to the sky. The chapel was full of poetry, and is undoubtedly our favorite.<\/p>\n\n

The chapel dedicated to Saint Rita<\/h3>\n\n
\"Sainte-Rita<\/figure>\n\n

Finally, we contemplated the chapel dedicated to Saint Rita. Patron saint of lost and desperate causes, Saint Rita lived in the 14th century.<\/p>\n\n

The surprising choir surmounted by a half-dome<\/h3>\n\n
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We didn’t know where to look anymore, so many ornaments, moldings and magnificent decorations to admire. Stand at the top of the semicircular choir above the Annunciation painting, as shown in the image. We were overwhelmed by the fine details at the ends of each column, each frieze meticulously crafted in sumptuous materials. All this to enhance the murals.<\/p>\n\n

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