Nice or Russia? Visit Saint-Nicolas Cathedral

Published on March 2, 2023 at 1:00 pm

In addition to its mild climate and beautiful scenery, Nice is a small architectural masterpiece. From the colourful houses of Vieux Nice to the Art Deco buildings and the palaces and buildings of the Belle Époque, the city boasts an exceptional architectural heritage that is unique in France. The first Russian church in Western Europe, Saint-Nicolas Cathedral was built in 1912 under the direction of Tsar Nicholas II, at a time when the Côte d'Azur was home to a large Russian community, particularly in Nice. Now one of the most visited monuments on the Mediterranean seafront, its bright colours and skeleton are typical of Russian religious buildings, creating a remarkable paradox with the classical buildings in the surrounding area. Head for Russia... or rather Nice, to discover this last-century Orthodox cathedral and all its secrets.

Saint-Nicolas Russian cathedral in Nice.

Summary

A family structure
A building with a lively exterior
Decoration: frescoes and icons
In the heart of the Le Piol district
Extend your Russian trip...
Where can I stay near Saint-Nicolas cathedral?
Practical information for Saint-Nicolas cathedral

A family structure

For many years, the imperial family of Russia used to come and spend some quality time on the Côte d'Azur, and in Nice in particular. So at 6 rue Longchamp, a Russian church was built so that the community could continue to live out its faith, thousands of miles from home.

View of Saint-Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral in Nice.

In the mid-19th century, Tsar Alexander II's son, Tsarevich Nicholas, died in the former grounds of the Villa Bermond, the family residence. A few decades later, the construction of St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral was launched on the same site, an impressive tribute to say the least.

Roses in front of Saint-Nicolas cathedral in Nice

A building with a lively exterior

Inspired by the style of Moscow churches, the cathedral's decoration is typical of the Belle Époque. On the outside, the façade is topped by 14 bell towers and the famous bulbs typical of Russian churches, which are the symbols of Christ and the Evangelists. The orange terracotta, white limestone, blue majolica, marble and gilding stand out in the landscape of this residential area of Nice.

The five bulbs of Nice's Russian cathedral.

At 52 metres high, St Nicholas Cathedral remains one of the largest Orthodox buildings outside Russia. It is the pride of expatriates and the delight of visitors, several hundred thousand of whom visit the cathedral every year.

Decoration: frescoes and icons

The interior of the Russian cathedral is decorated with numerous frescoes and woodwork with floral motifs. Like other buildings in the country, the interior is very well kept, but often very small! The icons are omnipresent, between the brightly coloured walls and the light shining through the stained-glass windows, in stark contrast to the Catholic cathedrals that are more common in France.

Interior of Saint-Nicolas cathedral, Nice.

So don't just stand in the park and look at the amazing architecture, come and visit (with your shoulders covered) this place with an international history. Now listed as a historic monument, Saint-Nicolas Orthodox Cathedral, designed by Mikhaïl Préobrajenski, is a must for any successful visit to Nice!

In the heart of the Le Piol district

Located in the residential district of Le Piol, the former grounds of the Villa Bermond are now a place of homage open to the public, and also house the chapel of Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich. Built on the exact site of the room he occupied in the previously demolished Bermond house, the memorial building is also decorated with gilding and icons.

Statute of Nicolas Alexandrovitch in front of the chapel dedicated to him in Nice.

Continue your journey around the world from Nice with a visit to D'ART BNET'S and discover the flavours of the Orient. This restaurant, run by four sisters, offers traditional Oriental dishes such as couscous, tajine and bricks, as well as a brunch inspired by the Orient! For a very affordable price, you can enjoy Berber crepes and msemen between two bites of scrambled eggs. A perfect culinary trip for leaving or returning from your getaway to Russia!

📍 Address: 6 Rue des Combattants en Afrique du Nord, 06000 Nice

⏰ O pening times: 10am - 3pm / 7pm - 10pm Tuesday to Friday / 10am - 10pm Saturday / 10am - 3pm Sunday

Extend your Russian trip...

For a total immersion in Russian culture and to follow in the footsteps of the community that used to regularly set up camp here, there are a few places to visit in Nice.

At the Roi Alexandre restaurant, it's a culinary escapade a stone's throw from the Promenade des Anglais, offering pelmenis, olive salad and pirog à la carte.

📍 Address: 38 Rue de France, 06000 Nice

⏰ O pening times: 12pm - 3pm / 7pm - 10pm Tuesday to Sunday, except Saturday lunchtimes

For a little snack or something to make at home, the Gastronomie Russe supermarket offers a wide selection of groceries, drinks, fresh produce... with one thing in common: Russia!

📍 Address: 6 Boulevard Gambetta, 06000 Nice

⏰ O pening times: 10am - 10pm except Sunday