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 Infomastern

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Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

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