Sainte-Réparate Cathedral
Why is it significant?
Look up at the glittering polychrome glazed-tile dome that majestically crowns Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, glowing with radiant warmth against the deep blue Mediterranean sky in the very centre of charming Place Rossetti.
Key Facts
| Place | Sainte-Réparate Cathedral |
|---|---|
| Address | Place Rossetti, 06300 Nice, France |
| Geo Coordinates | 43.69730, 7.27580 |
| Part of Walk | Old Town, Cours Saleya and Castle Hill: Baroque Splendour and Ancient Heights |
| Generated | Generated |
Look up at the glittering polychrome glazed-tile dome that majestically crowns Sainte-Réparate Cathedral, glowing with radiant warmth against the deep blue Mediterranean sky in the very centre of charming Place Rossetti. Dedicated to Saint Reparata, a third-century virgin martyr from Caesarea whose body according to pious local legend drifted across the sea in a boat guided by angels to the shores of Nice, this magnificent cathedral was built between 1650 and 1699 by architect Jean-André Guibert. Its stately baroque facade, adorned with classical niches holding statues of the patron saints of the city, blends seamlessly with the warm ochre townhouses framing the square. Step inside the expansive vaulted nave to discover ten opulent side chapels resplendent with intricately carved polychrome marble, gilded altar cornices, and luxuriant decorative stuccowork reflecting the fervent Catholic Counter-Reformation promoted by the Dukes of Savoy. The freestanding forty-metre ashlar stone bell tower, completed in 1757 by local master masons, rings out resonant, melodious chimes over the tranquil cobblestone alleyways of the surrounding old quarter. Place Rossetti, shaded by wide outdoor café parasols and filled with the delicious aromas of celebrated local gelato artisans, offers travelers an enchanting pause of spiritual beauty and culinary delight in the heart of Old Nice.
Admire the octagonal dome: its green, yellow, and white glazed earthenware tiles shimmer brilliantly when caught by the warm afternoon sunlight.
The ten side chapels were historically owned and maintained by powerful local merchant guilds who competed to commission the most luxurious marble altarpieces.
The sacred relics of Saint Reparata were deposited under the high altar in 1690 during a solemn civic procession that brought together the entire population of Nice.
Walk less than two hundred metres northeast along Rue Droite to discover the sculpted stone portal of Palais Lascaris.