- Address: 4 Rue Colonel Bellando de Castro, 98000 Monaco, Monaco
- Phone: +377 93 30 87 70
- Discovery: 1903
- Architectural style: Neo-roman style
- Buried: Grace Kelly, Rainier III, Charles III, Albert I, Louis II, etc.
- Opening hours: 8: 00-19: 00
The snow-white and majestic Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Monaco has always attracted tourists and locals with its beauty. This landmark is not only the main temple of the Principality, but also a burial vault of the prince's family.
A bit of history
The cathedral in Monaco was built in 1875. It is made entirely of "magic" white stone, which every day becomes more whiter, and during the rain, its properties even slightly increase. Therefore, local residents of Monaco have a belief: while in the rain in the cathedral, you must always pray, ask for forgiveness for your sins, and "heavenly water" will purify the soul in the same way as the walls of the cathedral, and life will begin anew.
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas is made in the Romanesque style and is located on the site of the former St. Nicholas Church, which was destroyed during the French Revolution. In 1960, at the top of the building were installed three bells. All of them received the blessing of Bishop Gilles Barthes and have their names: Devot, Nicole and the Immaculate Virgin Mary.
In 1997, another bell was added - Benedikt. He became a symbol of the perpetuation of the 700-year reign of the Grimaldi dynasty.
Valuable icons and other attractions of the cathedral
To date, the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Monaco is the center of the whole kingdom. This is a holy place for religious personalities and tourists. Amazing sculptures, icons attract the attention of historians, as well as other visitors. The walls of the Cathedral in Monaco are decorated with biblical stories of the life of the Saints. They were created by Louis Brea - a famous French artist.
The most valuable exhibit of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas is the Great Body, which was brought here in 1887. In 2007, this instrument was modernized. The game of the organ captures and presents an incredible delight to all visitors with the beauty of its sound.
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Monaco became the burial vault for Princess Grace Kelly, who died in 1982, as well as her husband Rainier III. Their plates are near the altar, the visitors of the temple every day bring to the graves of fresh luxury roses - the beloved flowers of the princess. Above the tombstones of the spouses is a picture - a pencil sketch from the day of the wedding. Also here you will find plates Louis (Louis) II, Albert I - Grand Dukes of Monaco.
In the Cathedral of St. Nicholas near each prayer book there is a meter sculpture of the Saints - Jesus, the Virgin Mary with a baby, a statue of Bishop Peruchota, etc.
The most valuable and luxurious icons of the cathedral are the icon of the Holy Artist Francois Brea of 1530 and the "Holy Initiation" of an unknown artist of 1560.
The chapel of baptism, the font, the chair in the Cathedral of St. Nicholas will not leave you indifferent either. They were imported in 1825-1840. and to this day they are carefully watched by guards, because there were not one-off attempts to harm these exhibits. The altar that is in the center of the hall was built of Carrara marble, it is covered with an amazing mosaic with a church rich symbolism. This altar has been married to more than one generation of the dynasty, therefore it is also considered an important part of the history of the Principality.
The Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Monaco holds services in the days of church holidays, and also on November 19 is a local holiday of the Prince of Monaco. On such days the beautiful sounds of bells are flowing through the city. During the festive mass at the Monaco Cathedral, a church choir performs under the enchanting melody of the organ, and all the visitors at the entrance are given song prints. Having joined the singing, any person will feel within him peace and inspiration.
The mode of operation and the road to the cathedral
The cathedral opens its door to all visitors daily from 8.00 to 19.00. Choruses and Masses are held:
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday - at 8.30;
- Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - at 18.00;
- Sunday at 8.30, 10.30.
To get to the Cathedral of St. Nicholas in Monaco, you need to take the bus number 1 or 2 and get off at the Place de la Visitation.
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