BASILICA OF ST. MICHAEL THE ARCHANGEL
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The Basilica of Saint Michael the Archangel is the largest and most beautiful baroque church on the French Riviera.
The Basilica of Saint-Michel-Archange is without doubt the largest and most beautiful Baroque church on the Côte d'Azur. It stands on the site of two former sanctuaries, of which the 15th-century clock tower remains, later covered by a glazed-tile campanile. The large Genoese campanile was built in the 18th century as part of the church's construction work. The basilica was built to replace the former church of Saint-Michel, which had become too small for Menton's growing community.
On the outside, the two-storey Baroque façade features a harmonious structure of columns, pilasters, architraves and pediments. Three doors lead into the nave, topped by niches featuring statues of St. Michael, St. Roch and St. Maurice. The walls are adorned with mosaics depicting biblical scenes, and the openings to the outside are akin to sublime, colorful stained-glass windows.
The interior is decorated in the neo-Byzantine style, with an altarpiece by André Manchello depicting Saint Michael. The polychrome marble high altar also features an allegory of St. Michael slaying the dragon. Every summer, Menton's classical music festival takes over the basilica's forecourt.
Its unique architecture and hilltop location overlooking the town of Menton and the Mediterranean Sea make the basilica a must-see monument on the Côte Bleue.
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