CEMENT MONASTERY

This convent is one of the oldest in Nice. Founded by the monks of the abbey of Saint-Pons, its origin dates back to the th century. It was in 1546 that the Benedictine monks handed over the monastery to the Franciscans of the Respect whose convent was destroyed at the Nice Siege of 1543. Under the French Revolution, the community was expelled and the convent was transformed into barracks and then in hospital. He finds his first function under Sardinian Restoration and becomes church church under the responsibility of the brothers. In the th century, the style of the monastery was completely restored: The neo-Gothic style takes possession of the facades and a porch is built to accommodate the faithful. Inside, the surface of the vaults is revisited by Hercules Trachel who painted frescoes depicting the Assumption of the Virgin as well as the great moments of the life of Saint Francis and St Clare of Assisi. In the second chapel, a very beautiful christ is found in carved wood of the th century. In the third chapel, major work of the church: a altarpiece of Louis Bréa dated 1512 representing the stage of crucifixion. In front of the fourth chapel, a scene of cross deposition attributed to the brother of Louis Bréa, Antoine. In the sixth chapel, a altarpiece containing a pietà, the first known work of Louis Bréa. Nowadays, the monastery welcomes many faithful and the parish is led by four Franciscans: Father Antonio, Sergio, Antoine and Brother Giorgio. Outside, the cloister is open to the public on Sundays morning during the celebration of mass. Classical music concerts are also organized at the time of the Nice Musical Nights.