Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice

Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice

Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice official name is the Russian Orthodox Cathedral of Saint Nicolas, is the largest Eastern Orthodox cathedral in Western Europe. Opened in 1912, thanks to the generosity of Russia’s Tsar Nicholas II. It’s recognised as a national monument of France and belongs to the jurisdiction of the Moscow Patriarchate.

The First Russian Chapel in Nice was built in 1859. Tzar Alexander II died due to sudden meningitis when he was staying at the Villa Bermond, The Tzar Family bought the park and built a chapel in his Honour, however, when the Russian community grew in Nice and the Chapel became too small for the community.

The Construction of the Cathedral began in 1903, the new cathedral was designed by Michel Preobajenski, an architecture professor at the Academy of Saint Petersburg, Russian Orthodox Cathedral opened in 1912.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral is one of the best examples of Russian religious architecture outside of Russia and the most important orthodox cathedral outside Russia. The Cathedral was made in the old Russian Style, however, some of the cathedral designs were given a modern look, giving the cathedral its own unique style.

The disposition cross-shaped layout with five domes above the centre, representing Jesus and the four evangelists. The Cathedrals iconostasis was made by the Khlebnikoff workshops and the interior decor was donated to the Russian Cathedral by the devoted.

Until 15th of December 2011 the Russian Orthodox Cathedral, the chapel and the garden were under the management of the Russian Orthodox Cultural Association of Nice but the Russian Federation claimed the right to property, The French courts sided with the Russian government and the church management rights were given to the Russian Federation.

On the 10th of April 2013,  the Cour de Cassation, the highest civil court in France, refused to quash the decision of the court of appeal. This confirmed that the Russian Orthodox Cathedral is the property of the Russian Federation.

In 2014, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral closed its doors to tourists and underwent renovation which was funded by the Kremlin, Russian Federation, Opened its doors to the public on the feast of St. Nicholas, according to the Julian Calendar.

Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice
Russian Orthodox Cathedral, Nice, Credited Flickr: MPD01605

Contact Information

Telephone: +33 9 81 09 53 45 | Official Website |

How to get there

Nearby stop Tzaréwitch / Gambetta, bus services: 64, 75 and 75D stop there. fairs for busses in Nice are usually €1.50 or €1 if you buy the 10 trip card.

The nearest train station is the ‘NICE – Parc Imperial’, only 10 minutes walk from the Orthodox Cathedral. Gare de Nice-Ville Train Station is 12 minutes walk away from the Orthodox Cathedral or you could catch the bus service 64, 75 and 75D outside of the train station and it will take you to the Tzaréwitch / Gambetta bus stop.

If you would like to avoid public transport, I would suggest getting an Uber, if you planning to go from Musée Matisse or Modern and Contemporary Art Museum, I would highly recommend using Uber, It’s cheaper then tax’s services due to the high charge rate.

Opening Hours

Cathedral and its Park Open 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Visits are not allowed during mass, normally from 12 to 2 pm.

Admission

Free Entry

Men cannot enter shirtless and women cant enter wearing a miniskirt.

Rules Inside the Cathedral

  • No smoking.
  • Pets are not allowed.
  • No Hats.
  • Appropriate Clothing.
  • No Food Allowed.

Rules must be obeyed.

Information

  • Opened: 1912.
  • Groundbreaking in 1903.
  • Architect: Michael Preobrazhensky.
  • Architectural styles: Russian Revival architecture, Byzantine Revival architecture.
  • Ecclesiastical or organizational status: Cathedral.
  • Affiliation: Russian Orthodox.
  • Architectural type Church.

St Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral, Nice interior

Nearby for Food

L’Impériale is a bakery only 3 minutes away from the Cathedral, where you can enjoy coffee and cake if you would like to try traditional Tunisian food, visit La Goulette.

Where to stay in Nice

Nearby places to stay as cheap as possible budget under £100/$100/€100:

  • Villa Otero, 11 minutes walk from the beach. Located in the heart of Nice, in the Musicians district, Villa Otero is a hotel set in a 1920s building. ideal place to stay only 5 minutes walk from Nice Train station and located within 5 miles from Nice Airport. Check Price.
  • Hôtel Le Lausanne, 9 minutes walk from the beach. Located in the heart of Nice, in the musician’s quarter, Hôtel Le Lausanne is only a 10-minute walk from the Promenade des Anglais. Nice-Ville Train Station is 600 yards away and the Albert 1st Gardens are 1.2 from the hotel. Check Price.
  • Hotel de France, 3 minutes walk from the beach. Hotel de France is situated in the heart of Nice, 100 yards from the Promenade des Anglais, The beach and the city centre is a short walk away. Check Price.

Nearby places to stay at a budget price of £200 – £400:

  • Hotel Negresco, a 1-minute walk from the beach. The famous Hotel Negresco, dating from the beginning of the 20th century, overlooks the beach and the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Hotel Negresco’s guests can benefit from access to the Neptune private beach area. Check Price.
  • Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée, a one-minute walk from the beach. Set on the Promenade des Anglais, Hyatt Regency Nice Palais de la Méditerranée is an art-deco style hotel featuring an on-site casino, an indoor and outdoor swimming pool, a hammam and a sauna. The terrace offers panoramic views of the Baie des Anges. Regional cuisine and Mediterranean dishes are served in the hotel’s restaurant. Check Price.

Visiting Nice, France? We have other posts that you may enjoy that will be helpful on your trip.

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Here some of our favourite.

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Location

Address: Avenue Nicolas II, 06000 Nice, France | Geographic coordinates: 43°42′14″N 7°15′14″E

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RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL

RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CATHEDRAL