BASILICA OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
The Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel is the largest and most beautiful baroque church on the French Riviera.
The Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange is without doubt the largest and most beautiful baroque church on the French Riviera. It is located on the site of two ancient sanctuaries of which the clock tower dating from the 15th century remains, later covered by a campanile of glazed tiles. The large Genoese bell tower was built in the 18th century as part of the construction of the church. The basilica was erected to replace the old church of Saint-Michel, which had become too small for the growing community of Menton.
On the outside, the two-story Baroque façade has a great harmony in the structure of columns, pilasters, architraves and pediments. 3 doors give access to the nave surmounted by niches occupied by statues representing St. Michael, St. Roch and St. Maurice. The walls are decorated with mosaics representing biblical scenes and the openings on the outside are similar to sublime colored stained glass windows.
The interior is decorated in the purest neo-Byzantine style with an altarpiece by André Manchello representing Saint Michael. The high altar in polychrome marble is also topped by an allegory of St. Michael slaying the dragon. Every summer, in August, the classical music festival of Menton invests the square of the basilica.
Its unique architecture and its location on the hill overlooking the city of Menton and the Mediterranean Sea make the basilica a monument not to be missed on the Côte bleue.
Did you know? This review was written by our professional authors.
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