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Heritage classified

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Origin and history

The church of Notre-Dame-Auxiliatrice de Nice, located in Place Don-Bosco, is an Art Deco religious building built in the early twentieth century. It is the first Salesian church in France, founded by the Congregation of Don Bosco, and is distinguished by its modern reinforced concrete architecture, inspired by Notre-Dame du Raincy. Its traditional design contrasts with its light structure, marked by claustras and stained stained windows.

The interior decoration, made by Eugène Doucet, includes a cross path in a life-size fresco and an immense blue and gold cross on the ceiling. The historic stained-glass windows, signed by Antoine Bessac, and the furniture inspired by paleo-Christian art enrich the building. The church, blessed in 1933, also played a historic role in sheltering Jewish children during the Second World War.

Ranked a historical monument in 2017 and labeled "Twentieth Century Heritage", it is recognized as a national sanctuary by the Catholic Church. Its architecture, combining tradition and modernity, and its history of resistance make it an emblematic place of Nice.

Architects Jules Febvre and Marius Déporta designed the building, while Carlo Sarrabezzoles carved the statue adorning the facade. The Salesian congregation, which is the owner of the church, has made it a symbol of its educational and spiritual commitment to France.

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