[2025 Nice Attraction] Travel Guide for St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral (Updated Mar)
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No.9 of Best Things to Do in Nice
The church is an old and famous Orthodox church, built between 1902 and 1912 by Tsar Nicholas II. The design of the building is inspired by the Moscow church style, and the architectural style of the early 17th century is very obvious. The interior decoration is rich, decorated with many icons, frescoes, carved joinery, and embossed and carved metal. Icon screen. Friends who like architectural culture should not miss it.
Address:
Av. Nicolas II, 06000 Nice, France
Recommended sightseeing time:
1-2 hours
Phone:
+33 9 81 09 53 45
Ticket Price
Free entry
The History of St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Nice 🕍✨
The St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral in Nice is not only a stunning architectural gem, but also a significant symbol of Russian history on the French Riviera. 🇷🇺🏞️
A Gift of History 🏛️
Built in 1912, the cathedral was commissioned by Tsar Nicholas II as a tribute to his late son, Tsarevich Nicholas Alexandrovich, who tragically died in Nice in 1865. The cathedral was constructed to serve the large Russian community that frequented the Côte d'Azur during that time, a reflection of the close ties between Russia and Nice. 🕊️🌍
Architectural Beauty 🕍
Inspired by the traditional Russian Orthodox style, the cathedral is a breathtaking sight. Its vibrant onion domes, intricate brickwork, and golden details make it stand out amidst the Mediterranean scenery. It’s the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe, and its interior is just as magnificent – adorned with frescoes, icons, and ornate woodwork that instantly transport visitors to the grandeur of Imperial Russia. 🎨✨
A Place of Worship and History 📜
The cathedral remains a place of active worship and is open to visitors who wish to admire its beauty and learn more about the deep historical connection between Russia and Nice. As you walk through its peaceful gardens, you can reflect on its unique story – a blend of spiritual devotion and historical memory, offering a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. 🌿🙏
Whether you’re captivated by its architecture, its history, or the spiritual tranquillity it offers, St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral is a must-visit for anyone exploring Nice's cultural heritage. 🌸🕍
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Architect Edits
3
Beautiful cathedral in Nice, France 🇫🇷
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Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice
The Cathedral features typical Russian motifs with the iconic onion domes and bright paint colours. It reminded us of the Russian Church in Sofia, Bulgaria.
We really enjoyed the architecture and felt it was a must see in Nice.
The cathedral, consecrated in December 1912 in memory of Nicholas Alexandrovich, Tsarevich of Russia, who died in Nice, was meant to serve the large Russian community that had settled in Nice by the end of the 19th century, as well as devout visitors from the Imperial Court.
We visited the cathedral on our last day in Nice on a Sunday during the mass. It was full of people from different nationalities, all sharing the same Orthodox religion.
The cathedral is very beautiful on the outside and nicely done on the inside.
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog)
3
Orthodox cathedral in Nice, France 🇫🇷
#celebratewithtrip #nice #france #cathedral
This is a property of the Russian Federation, it is recognized as a national monument of France, and it currently belongs to the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate. It is the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe.
The cathedral was opened in 1912, thanks to the generosity of Russia’s Tsar Nicholas II. From 1931 until 15 December 2011 (after a longstanding legal dispute over ownership was resolved), the parish that occupied the cathedral was part of the Paris-based Patriarchal Exarchate for Orthodox Parishes of Russian Tradition in Western Europe under the jurisdiction of the Church of Constantinople.
Checkinaway (@checkinawayblog)
5
Visiting N
Visiting Nice in just 5 hours may be brief, but it’s enough to capture the essence of this stunning French Riviera city. Here’s how I made the most of my short visit and some tips for yours:
Hour 1: Stroll Along the Promenade des Anglais
Start your visit with a walk along the iconic Promenade des Anglais, enjoying views of the sparkling Mediterranean. The mix of sea breeze and palm-lined streets sets a relaxing tone.
Hour 2: Explore Old Town (Vieux Nice)
Dive into the charm of Vieux Nice, with its narrow streets, pastel-colored buildings, and vibrant markets. Don’t miss the Cours Saleya Market (if open), where you can browse fresh flowers, produce, and local treats.
Hour 3: Climb Castle Hill (Colline du Château)
Head up to Castle Hill for panoramic views of the city, the coastline, and the harbor. The short climb (or elevator ride) is well worth it for the breathtaking scenery.
Hour 4: Indulge in Niçoise Cuisine
Take a break at a local bistro and savor a classic Salade Niçoise or socca, a local chickpea flatbread. Pair it with a glass of Provençal rosé for the perfect taste of Nice.
Hour 5: Relax by the Sea
End your visit with some downtime by the pebbled beach or a café along the promenade, soaking in the relaxed Mediterranean vibe.
Tips for Your 5-Hour Visit:
• Travel Light: Stick to walking or renting a bike to maximize your time.
• Plan Ahead: Decide what you want to see most to avoid feeling rushed.
• Local Snacks: Grab some macarons or candied fruit as souvenirs.
• Timing: If you’re short on time, skip Castle Hill and focus on the Old Town and Promenade.
Nice’s beauty and laid-back atmosphere will leave you with unforgettable memories, even in just a few hours!
Max_Cox
1
Cathedral de Saint Nicholas de Nice
#WinterTravel
It is an Eastern Orthodox cathedral located in Nice, France. The cathedral is a property of the Russian Federation, is recognized as a national monument of France and is currently under the jurisdiction of the Moscow Diocese. It is the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe.
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Also called as Saint Nicholas Cathedral is one of the largest Russian Orthodox religious buildings outside of Russia. It is located in Av. Nicolas II, 06000 Nice, and is around 1.1 kilometers 15 minutes walk away from Nice-Ville train station. It is open daily from 1000-1800.
It is made up of a central dome surrounded by four smaller domes, to which it added the sixth dome housing the bell tower and clad in real gold.
The exterior is a mix of pink brick, light gray marble, brightly colored ceramics and glazed tiles.
Inside are carved and painted icons, frescoes and woodwork, representative of Russia Orthodox art.