The Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange of Menton is a minor basilica and a Catholic parish church located in the heart of the historic center of Menton. Majestic stair ramps provide access.
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Prince Honoré II and Nicolas Spinola, bishop of Ventimiglia, laid the foundation stone for the church of Saint Michael in 1619. Opened for worship in 1653, the new building was consecrated on May 8, 1675. The large bell tower was erected in 1701-1702. The facade was completed in 1819.
After the earthquake of February 1887, the parish church was completely restored.
On March 26, 1999, Pope John Paul II elevated the church of Saint Michael to the rank of minor basilica.
Laurent Lavagna, master builder, is inspired by the church of the Annunziata of Genoa, to erect this baroque building which still preserves a set of damask drapes of the eighteenth century, offered by Prince Honoré III at his wedding. Saint-Michel was declared a Historic Monument in 1947.
In order to finance the construction of this great building, the council of the community «se» voted an exceptional tax lifted for twenty years and hitting the 40th of the income from the harvests of citrus fruits, oil and wine.
The first works of the construction of this church led to the demolition of the only religious building within walls. During this time, the services were held in a room of the medieval fortification, now two floors under the choir. The work ranged from 1640 to 1653.
The church of Saint Michael of the fifteenth century (located on the site of the clock tower of the basilica)
After the earthquake of February 1887, the parish church was completely restored.
On March 26, 1999, Pope John Paul II elevated the church of Saint Michael to the rank of minor basilica.
Laurent Lavagna, master builder, is inspired by the church of the Annunziata of Genoa, to erect this baroque building which still preserves a set of damask drapes of the eighteenth century, offered by Prince Honoré III at his wedding. Saint-Michel was declared a Historic Monument in 1947.
In order to finance the construction of this great building, the council of the community «se» voted an exceptional tax lifted for twenty years and hitting the 40th of the income from the harvests of citrus fruits, oil and wine.
The first works of the construction of this church led to the demolition of the only religious building within walls. During this time, the services were held in a room of the medieval fortification, now two floors under the choir. The work ranged from 1640 to 1653.
The church of Saint Michael of the fifteenth century (located on the site of the clock tower of the basilica)
Prince Honoré II and Nicolas Spinola, bishop of Ventimiglia, laid the foundation stone for the church of Saint Michael in 1619. Opened for worship in 1653, the new building was consecrated on May 8, 1675. The large bell tower was erected in 1701-1702. The facade was completed in 1819.
After the earthquake of February 1887, the parish church was completely restored.
On March 26, 1999, Pope John Paul II elevated the church of Saint Michael to the rank of minor basilica.
Laurent Lavagna,...
After the earthquake of February 1887, the parish church was completely restored.
On March 26, 1999, Pope John Paul II elevated the church of Saint Michael to the rank of minor basilica.
Laurent Lavagna,...
Openings
From 2 January 2025 until 31 December 2025 - Closed on sunday
.Accessible on Sundays at 11.00 am for mass
Location
Spoken languages
Environment
- Town location
- Pedestrian area
- In the historic centre
