Le Basilique Notre-Dame de Nice was built in 1864-1868.This Neo-Gothic basilica is the largest church in Nice. Inspired by Angers Cathedral, its construction was motivated by a desire to "Frenchify" the city after the County of Nice was annexed to France from Italy. Its most prominent features are the two 65-meter tall towers, which dominate the east front, together with a large rose window featuring scenes of the Assumption of Mary. With its 3 porches, its rose-window, its twin-bay, Notre-Dame in Nice looks like Notre-Dame in Paris. There are 2 statues of the Virgin Mary, one at the top of the church, the other in the front of the rose-window, 2 towers 31 metres high stand in the sky. No sculptures in the frontage due to a lack of money. In 1944 the sculptor GALLO places the statue of Notre-Dame de la Libération on the central portal. The style of the choir is similar to Saint-Serge Abbey church, the 3 aisles of same height, 12 lateral chapels and 7 apse-chapels.
This harmonius building is one of the most beautiful “neo-gothic” church in the area.
The stained-glass windows in the choir, made in 1868, show the Coronation of the Virgin, with Saint-Joseph, Saint Joachim, Saint Paul, Saint Raphaël, Saint Gabriel, the Patriarches and the Apostles. The stained-glass windows of the chapels are “gifts” from generous persons at the end of 19th century. The apse-chapel was previously devoted to the Sacré-Coeur, but now it is devoted to the Virgin Mary, with her statue placed in 1960. The paintings are dated 19th century : a MURILLO copy represents the Holy Family.
Clement GOYENECHE was in charge of all the wook-works, restored in 1956 and Louis VIALE of the iron-works.
We find in the South tower the Great Bell (1020 kg) made by DUBRUSSON-GALLOIS.
To-day, Notre-Dame de l’Assomption is not only a catholic church in the town-center but also a cultural place for concerts and recitals which take place all along the year. CHAMPIGNEULE, in the lateral chapels and in the first apse, showing biblical scenes and Jesus life. To-day, their lower part is not visible, but some future outside works will make them visible.
MARECHAL : in the choir apses, the most important stained-glass windows with splendid bright colors. Probably Marechal has made the rose-window (same bright colors) showing Alpha- Omega with all around the 12 Apostles. Now hidden by the organ, the rose-window usually reflects the light directly towards the central aisle, creating a magnificent light.
BENOIT BROTHERS : in the upper part of the windows all along the central aisle, in a contemporary style and placed in 1956 to replace simple glasses.
