© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
© Alison Shayler
Cathedrale Saint-Michel, Sospel
Flamboyant Baroque cathedral in a beautiful square
The heart of the old town of Sospel opens out into a wide sunny square dominated by the colourful facade of the Saint-Michel cathedral.
Although the bell tower is thought to be 11th century, the rest of the church originates from the 14th century when the church became a cathedral during the great schism, in which Sospel supported the Avignon pope. However, it was mostly rebuilt in 1641 after a plague epidemic in 1632. It was designed by the army architect Jean-André Guiberto, who also designed the Sainte-Reparate cathedral in Nice.
Built in the Baroque style, the cathedral is bright and spacious inside with an organ dating from 1843 and numerous works of art from the 15th to 17th centuries. The cathedral holds regular Roman Catholic masses.
Visitor comments
- "Overlooking the tiny village, this church is a marvel. There are no crowds touring Sospel, no tourists to spoil the adventure. See the ruins of the castle (which are seamlessly integrated into the modern architecture) and this cathedral which sits right next to the movie theater. An hour drive from Nice, and so worth it." - Trip Advisor
When to come
The cathedral is open Monday to Friday 09:00-17:00 and Saturdays 09:30-16:45.
