Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate

The Cathédrale Sainte-Réparate sits on Place Rossetti in the heart of Vieux Nice, in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur region of southern France. It is the cathedral of the Old Town and is dedicated to Saint Reparata, the patron saint of Nice, and it was built in the 17th century in the baroque style. The facade is plain compared with the interior, and the clock tower and the coloured-tile dome are visible above the surrounding rooftops. Inside, the nave is richly decorated with stucco, gilded details, painted ceilings and side chapels, and the choir and altar are framed by marble and carved wood. Visitors can see paintings, sculptures and an organ that is used in services and concerts. The cathedral is an active place of worship, so sightseeing stops during Mass and quiet behaviour is expected. A visit lasts 20 to 30 minutes, though the square outside is a pleasant place to linger, with cafés, an ice-cream shop and the nearby fountain. Mid-morning outside Mass is the best time to see the interior in calm. The building is busiest on weekends and during religious festivals. Opening hours include a midday break, with weekday hours reported as about 9:00AM to 12:00PM and 2:00PM to 6:00PM, and shorter hours on Sunday, so confirming locally is wise. Entry is free, although donations are welcome. The cathedral is a short walk from Cours Saleya and the Palais Lascaris, and from the tram stop at Cathédrale-Vieille Ville. Modest dress covering the shoulders is expected, and photography without flash is generally tolerated outside services. Visitors combining the cathedral with a walk through the Old Town can reach the Castle Hill stairs in about ten minutes.