Saint-Michel Basilica, Menton, France

Saint-Michel Basilica is a Baroque jewel with its incredible exterior, the bell-tower, the coloured cobbles of the parvis arranged to form the Grimaldi’s coat of arms and the “rampes Saint-Michel” (a series of flights of stairs).

The construction of the Basilica begun in 1640 under the reign of Honoré II, but took several centuries to be completed. The façade was then renovated in the 19th Century adding typical decor of the period such as smooth columns with ionic and corinthian capitals.

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Menton Tourism

Religious sites in France

User Reviews

Harry Yanakiev (2 years ago)
The Basilica of St. Michael the Archangel was built according to the wishes of Prince Honoré II of Monaco. He wanted a "big and beautiful church to Menton" and made this wish by the Genoese architect Laurent Lavagna. Construction began May 27, 1619, but the real work only began in 1639. In 1653 the monument was officially over and under the cult of Saint Michael the Archangel. It is May 8, 1675

Ellen Brigitta (2 years ago)
The way leads to the Basilique is narrow and unique. And when you arrived, you will see a breathtaking view of the ocean. It's a very nice complex and peaceful too. Nice place to visit

Anna Y (2 years ago)
So beautiful! Unfortunately it was closed when we visited, but the outside architecture and the views of the bay are absolutely stunning!

CR Foo (2 years ago)
A short climb up the stairs will lead you to this Cathedral. While climbing up the stairs, this presents opportunities for you to capture the beach and the sea line of Menton. The orange architecture and the orange walls are also rather scenic and worth a picture. Quite a number of tourists at this scenic point.

Mackenzie Johnson (2 years ago)
Beautiful church with a fantastic facade from up close and afar. Highly recommend walking out to one of the rock points for the view.

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Photo from Flickr, copyright Andy Hay

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Argos Theater

The ancient Argos Theater was built in 320 BC. and is located in Argos, Greece against Larissa Hill. Nearby from this site is Agora, Roman Odeon, and the Baths of Argos. The theater is one of the largest architectural developments in Greece and was renovated in ca 120 AD.

The Hellenistic theater at Argos is cut into the hillside of the Larisa, with 90 steps up a steep incline, forming a narrow rectilinear cavea. Among the largest theaters in Greece, it held about 20,000 spectators and is divided by two landings into three horizontal sections. Staircases further divide the cavea into four cunei, corresponding to the tribes of Argos A high wall was erected to prevent unauthorized access into the theatron and may have helped the acoustics, but it is said the sound quality is still very good today.

Around 120 CE, both theaters were renovated in the Roman style.

Saint-Michel Basilica

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