In the course of a winding street, you will discover the impressive cathedral Saint-Michel with a Baroque facade. Flanked by a XIII th century bell tower, it dominates a grandiose architectural ensemble from the Baroque era which forms a magnificient setting.
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The cathedral Saint-Michel was rebuilt in 1641 according to the baroque model on the site of a medieval chuch as testified by its romanesque bell-tower. The facade and the choir were modified in 1762. It was restored in 1888 following an earthquake. Listed as an historic monument in 1951, it's one of the largest churches of the Alpes Maritimes.
Once you have climbed the steps that undulate like waves, pass through the stoop and step inside where trompe l'oeil, golden cherubs, light effects will amazed you. The decor whether painted, in stucco or gilded will surprised you with its richness. It regained its forme glory after a major renovation campaign in 2014. It testifies to the image of grandeur driven by the Church in the Baroque period.
The floor plan is simple: a nave with 2 low sides.The will is to focus architectural space towards the choir. On its walls fake loggias are arranged , inside are housed large canvases representing saints. Installed as in a theatre, they are ready to attend the mystery of the Eucharist. This baroque setting is emphasized by a canopy over the high altar. In the past,drapes were hung accentuating the theatrical effect.
The cathedra on the left side of the choir recalls the period of the Great Schism when Sospel became a bishopric.( end of XIVth century)
In the chapel, on the left of the choir, the altarpiece painted by François Bréa is a Renaissance masterpiece; opposite that of the Pietà( XV th century) presents one of the earliest representations of the penitents. In the background on the altar a Tabernacle in the shape of a Renaissance tempietto is a work of art cabinet maker, Luigi Prinotto ( XVIII th century,restored in 2019).
Back of the facade,on the organ loft stands the mighty organ of Agati brothers, famous toscan organ builders .
Enjoy a baroque music concert in the cathedral in order to fully appreciate the acoustics of the placa. You will be charmed and transported in time in an exceptional setting !
https://drone-de-regard.fr/VR/FACIM/06_Sospel_Cathedrale-Saint-Michel.html
Once you have climbed the steps that undulate like waves, pass through the stoop and step inside where trompe l'oeil, golden cherubs, light effects will amazed you. The decor whether painted, in stucco or gilded will surprised you with its richness. It regained its forme glory after a major renovation campaign in 2014. It testifies to the image of grandeur driven by the Church in the Baroque period.
The floor plan is simple: a nave with 2 low sides.The will is to focus architectural space towards the choir. On its walls fake loggias are arranged , inside are housed large canvases representing saints. Installed as in a theatre, they are ready to attend the mystery of the Eucharist. This baroque setting is emphasized by a canopy over the high altar. In the past,drapes were hung accentuating the theatrical effect.
The cathedra on the left side of the choir recalls the period of the Great Schism when Sospel became a bishopric.( end of XIVth century)
In the chapel, on the left of the choir, the altarpiece painted by François Bréa is a Renaissance masterpiece; opposite that of the Pietà( XV th century) presents one of the earliest representations of the penitents. In the background on the altar a Tabernacle in the shape of a Renaissance tempietto is a work of art cabinet maker, Luigi Prinotto ( XVIII th century,restored in 2019).
Back of the facade,on the organ loft stands the mighty organ of Agati brothers, famous toscan organ builders .
Enjoy a baroque music concert in the cathedral in order to fully appreciate the acoustics of the placa. You will be charmed and transported in time in an exceptional setting !
https://drone-de-regard.fr/VR/FACIM/06_Sospel_Cathedrale-Saint-Michel.html
The cathedral Saint-Michel was rebuilt in 1641 according to the baroque model on the site of a medieval chuch as testified by its romanesque bell-tower. The facade and the choir were modified in 1762. It was restored in 1888 following an earthquake. Listed as an historic monument in 1951, it's one of the largest churches of the Alpes Maritimes.
Once you have climbed the steps that undulate like waves, pass through the stoop and step inside where trompe l'oeil, golden cherubs, light effects...
Once you have climbed the steps that undulate like waves, pass through the stoop and step inside where trompe l'oeil, golden cherubs, light effects...
Openings
All year
Monday
08:30 - 18:00
Tuesday
08:30 - 18:00
Wednesday
08:30 - 18:00
Thursday
08:30 - 18:00
Friday
08:30 - 18:00
Saturday
08:30 - 18:00
Sunday
08:30 - 18:00
Location
Spoken languages
Environment
- Town location
- Station district
- Close to a public transportation
- River 5 km away
- Close to GR footpath
- Bus stop < 500 m
- In the historic centre
