Basilica of Saint Michel Archange

The Basilica of Saint-Michel is THE emblematic monument of Menton. Built between 1639 and 1653, it presents the Provencal Baroque style in all its splendour. Every year, the basilica attracts many tourists who come to discover its superb façade, located in the historic centre of Menton. You will have to climb “Les Rampes de Saint Michel”, this magnificent staircase recently renovated, to admire the magnificent baroque façade. The church square also overlooks the bay of Menton from where you can see the port and Italy in the background. A pure nugget!

Listed as a historical monument since 1947, the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel is home to the Clock Tower and the Campanin, respectively 25 and 53 metres high. The campanin served as a real watchtower when it was built in the early 18th century. In 1757, the bells rang the wedding of Honoré III Grimaldi with a Genoese princess.

The façade of the Basilica of Saint Michael was built in the 19th century in the baroque style used in the 17th century. Three doors open onto the three naves and are surmounted by three niches housing statues, in the centre of Saint Michael the Archangel, patron saint of Menton, on the left of Saint Maurice, patron saint of the House of Savoy, and on the right of Saint Roch, who is invoked against the plague.

The interior of the Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel is composed of 3 naves. The main vault is barrel vaulted and pierced with lunettes whose small windows allow light to filter through. The altar is surmounted by a painted and gilded wooden statue of St Michael the Archangel trampling on the Devil dating from 1820 and originally a processional statue. Finally, the organ dates from 1666.

Finally, opposite the Basilica of Saint Michael, don’t miss the Chapel of the White Penitents, also called the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. This pretty Baroque chapel was built between 1680 and 1687.