St. Nicholas Orthodox Cathedral
Cathédrale Saint-Nicolas de Nice
The largest Russian Orthodox church in Western Europe, with six coloured onion domes and a lavish iconostasis, a legacy of the Russian aristocrats who wintered in Nice during the Belle Époque.
St. Nicholas Cathedral was funded by Tsar Nicholas II and completed in 1912. It is the largest Russian Orthodox church in Western Europe and is listed as a historic monument in France. Its exterior has six onion domes in green and gold, and the walls are decorated with pink brick, grey marble and coloured tiles. Inside, the gilded iconostasis, murals and wood carvings are exquisite. In the late 19th century, many Russian aristocrats wintered in Nice, and this church stands as a testament to that history. Admission is about €5. Visitors must dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and photography is not allowed inside. The cathedral is about a 10-minute walk southwest of the train station, so it's easy to visit on the way.
Opening hours
About 9:00 am–6:00 pm (closed to visitors during Sunday morning services)
Nearby sights
- Musée des Beaux-Arts Jules Chéret
- Promenade des Anglais
- Marc Chagall National Museum
- Place Masséna
- Vieux Nice / Cours Saleya
- Nice Cathedral (Sainte-Réparate)
- MAMAC Nice
- Castle Hill