Timeline

Heritage classified

Key figures

Origin and history

The church Notre-Dame-de-l'Assumption d'Èze was rebuilt between 1764 and 1778 by the Italian architect Antoine Spinelli, at the request of Duke Charles-Emmanuel III of Savoy, to replace a building in ruins. Although the consecration ceremony took place on 17 May 1772, the work had not yet been completed in 1778, as evidenced by the final act of payment dated 7 December 1778. Prior Charles-François Fighiera played a key role in his finalisation, obtaining in particular the consecration of two bells, Marie-Madeleine and Laurence, on 26 September 1777.

The church, classified as a Historic Monument on December 5, 1984, combines a sober neoclassical facade, decorated with Corinthian pilasters, with a richly decorated Baroque interior. Its bell tower, added in the 19th century, suffered several damage due to lightning, losing its original dome. The liturgical furniture, including reliquaries, paintings (such as The Virgin of Mercy and The Nativity), and candlesticks, reflect its heritage importance.

Among the notable elements are the relics of Saint Germain, offered by Prior Fighiera in 1778, and the burial of actor Francis Blanche (1921–1974), whose humorous epitaph — "Let me sleep, I was made for it" — attracts visitors. The building, owned by the commune, embodies both the Savoyard heritage and the Baroque art of Nice.

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