© Saint Paul de Vence OT
© Saint Paul de Vence OT
Collegiate Church (Eglise Collegiale), St-Paul de Vence
Saint Paul de Vence parish church
This simple church was first built in the 14th century, and finished in the 18th century. It showcases a combination of structures and styles.
The central nave still features its original late Romanesque style, while the side aisles were added in the 16th century to enlarge the building. The church was raised to the condition of collegiate church in 1666, so new interior decorations were purchased such as the choir, sculpted in 1668. The chapel of Saint Clement was also built then in a rich Baroque style.
The grand bell tower dates from the 18th. The church has four chapels and a collection of antiquities which include parchment from the 16th century, a Tintoretto painting and precious jewellery.
Visitor comments
- "Saint-Paul is a great example of a fortified ancient hill town. The Eglise here is a magnificent Romanesque church that has been modified several times over the centuries but still maintains an air of its antiquity. There's a stone in the floor dated to 1077, before the church itself was built, I believe. And there is an amazing array of relics and paintings on the walls. On the day we visited the light through the stained glass windows was magical, falling right on the font of holy water." - Trip Advisor
