Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The Notre-Dame-du-Puy Cathedral of Grasse, first mentioned in 1154 under the name Notre-Dame du Puy, is part of a historical context marked by the city's independence from feudal power in 1155. This period coincides with the development of intense commercial ties with Italian cities such as Genoa and Pisa. In 1227 Grasse passed under the authority of the County of Provence, sealing his regional political anchor.

The episcopal seat of Antibes was transferred to Grasse in 1244, probably motivating the building of the cathedral in the 13th century. The building, of Lombard style, incorporates a central nave of 55 meters with cylindrical pillars symbolizing the twelve apostles. These pillars, slit in 1679 to install stalls, suffered damage during a revolutionary fire in 1795, where the stone bursts under the effect of heat.

In the 17th century, the cathedral underwent major changes: the circular choir was replaced by a rectangular choir in 1687, stucco stands were added in 1692 to increase its capacity, and an crypt was created in 1714, resulting in the construction of a perron and the renewal of the pavement. The present door in walnut dates from 1721. The chapel of the Blessed Sacrament, commanded by the eponymous brotherhood, was erected in 1738.

The cathedral houses major works, including three paintings by Pierre Paul Rubens (The Coronation of the Thorn, St. Helena, The Erection of the Cross), bequeathed in 1827 and exhibited since 1972. There is also Le Lalement des pieds by Jean Honoré Fragonard (1754), as well as pieces by Charles Negre, Gaillard, and Sébastien Bourdon. The organ, built in 1855 by Frédéric De Jungk, has 41 games on three keyboards.

Ranked a Historic Monument in 1920, the cathedral illustrates the architectural and artistic evolution of Grasse, from its medieval episcopal role to its Baroque heritage. Its history also reflects political upheavals, such as its use as a forage store during the Revolution or traces of siege visible on its walls (cannon boulet of 1589).

External links