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Sainte-Jeanne d'Arc Church, Nice
Original Art Deco domed church
This modern church dedicated to Joan of Arc was built in the 1920s in an Art Deco style with a large white central dome surrounded by three smaller domes.
The first stone was set in 1914, when the foundations and the crypt were built by architect Castel, but his death and the start of the First World War meant that worked stopped then. In 1926 construction began again, this time under the guidance of the Parisian architect Jacques Droz, finishing in 1933.
The futuristic style of the church was typical of the time. The impressive domes create a large interior space. The church's 65 metre steeple is, by contrast, finished with sharp rectangular lines. Often nicknamed 'the meringue' because of its white colour, this church is disliked by many, but it's certainly a very original building.
Inside, there are frescoes by Eugène Klementieff inspired by cubism, orthodox icons and the style of the Italian Quattrocento.
Visitor comments
- "This church is in the North of Nice, there is a parking lot in front which takes away from it's charm. But the architecture (although concrete and modern) is quite amazing. The exterior is whitewashed the sunlight (or lights at night) make it beautiful..It just doesn't seem to be in the right place! But worth visiting if you're in the area and seeing other things as well." - Trip Advisor
When to come
The church is open to visitors Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, from 09:00 to 11:45. Fridays from 09:00 to 10:45. Also open in the afternoon, from 15:00 to 18:00 on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.
