Historical monument classification 3 mars 1947 (≈ 1947)
Official protection of the whole
1976-1987
Major renovations
Major renovations 1976-1987 (≈ 1982)
Facades, bell tower, roof and pavement
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui
Aujourd'hui Aujourd'hui (≈ 2025)
Position de référence.
Heritage classified
Church of Saint Michael and its court; Chapel of the Conception: classification by decree of 3 March 1947; Façades and roofs of the buildings of Place Saint-Michel (Case C 694, 954 to 956, 958) : inscription by order of 16 June 1961 ; Ground of the Place of Conception with the steps; ground of the street of the Conception and ground of the Mount of Remembrance throughout the length of the chapel of the Conception; Marchings before Saint-Michel Square: inscription by order of 16 June 1961
Key figures
Famille de Monléon - Land donors
Land for the chapel in 1680
Prince Louis Ier - Land donor
Co-provider of the land in 1680
Origin and history
The chapel of the Immaculate Conception, known as the White Penitents, was built between 1680 and 1687 in Menton thanks to land offered by the family of Monléon and Prince Louis I. This place of worship, typical of Provencal Baroque architecture, reflects the influence of the Penitent Brotherhood in the region. Closed during the Revolution in 1793, it reopened in 1808 after major restorations, including a new altar and a bell.
The earthquake of 1887 caused considerable damage: collapse of the vault and cracks in the walls. The repairs lasted several decades, with a complete restoration of the facades and the bell tower in 1976, followed by the renovation of the roof and the pavement in 1987 for its three-hundredth anniversary. Ranked a historic monument in 1947, the chapel retains a rich interior decoration, including paintings celebrating the Immaculate Conception and a polychrome marble altarpiece.
The Baroque facade, decorated with statues of Saints Isidore, Elme, and Charles Borromée, as well as allegories of the Faith, Hope and Charity, dominates Saint Michael's Square. The bell tower, 40 meters high, and the unique nave with cradle vault illustrate the sacred art of the era. Together, including the church of Saint Michael and its surroundings, remains a major testimony of the religious heritage of the People's Republic.
Preservation work continued in the 20th century, with additional inscriptions in 1961 for the facades of Place Saint-Michel and the surrounding floors. Today, this monument, a mixed property (municipal and private), embodies both local history and the artistic heritage of the Alpes-Maritimes.
Announcements
Please log in to post a review