Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange

Nestled in the heart of the historic town of Menton, the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange, also known locally as Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange de Menton, stands as a beacon of Baroque splendor and religious significance. This magnificent basilica, dedicated to Saint Michael the Archangel, is not only a place of worship but also a testament to the rich history and architectural prowess of the region.

The Historical Tapestry of Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange

The origins of the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange date back to the early 17th century. The basilica was commissioned by Prince Honoré II of Monaco, and its construction was entrusted to the talented architect Lorenzo Lavagna. The foundation stone was laid on May 27, 1619, in the presence of the prince and Bishop Nicolà Spinola of Ventimiglia, under whose jurisdiction Menton and Roquebrune fell at the time.

However, it wasn't until 1639 that the actual construction began in earnest. The church was finally opened for worship in 1653, and on May 8, 1675, it was consecrated by Bishop Mauro Promontorio of Ventimiglia. The western bell tower, known as the Campanin, was added between 1701 and 1703 by architect Emmanuel Cantone, standing tall at 53 meters and serving as a watchtower over the city.

The basilica's current façade, completed in 1819, reflects the Baroque style of the 17th century. In 1999, the church was elevated to the status of a minor basilica by Pope John Paul II, with the formal consecration taking place in January 2000. Today, the Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange is one of the most visited tourist attractions in the Alpes-Maritimes region, and it hosts the renowned Classical Music Festival every August.

A Walk Through the Architectural Marvel

The Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange is a basilica with a three-nave layout, a design that is both grand and harmonious. The façade, elevated by a few steps above the square, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. It features a simple yet elegant composition of straight lines, both horizontal and vertical. The lower section is adorned with eight Corinthian columns supporting a massive entablature with a prominent cornice. The upper section boasts four composite columns flanking three windows and supporting a large triangular pediment.

Three doors, each surmounted by a niche with a statue, provide access to the three naves. The central niche houses a statue of Saint Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of Menton, while the left and right niches feature statues of Saint Maurice, the patron of the House of Savoy, and Saint Roch, invoked against the plague, respectively. Flanking the façade are two bell towers: the eastern Clock Tower, standing at 35 meters, and the western Campanin.

The Splendor Within

Stepping inside the basilica, visitors are greeted by the grandeur of its three naves. The central nave, measuring 10.2 meters in width, comprises four bays, each 5.7 meters long. The choir, slightly wider at 7.9 meters, is crowned by a barrel vault pierced with lunettes, allowing light to filter through and create a golden, iridescent effect enhanced by the new stained glass windows installed by the Monuments Historiques service.

The sanctuary, with its flat apse, is dominated by the high altar made of polychrome marble from the 18th century. Above the altar stands a painted and gilded wooden statue of Saint Michael the Archangel trampling the Demon, dating back to 1820. Behind the altar, a gallery supports an Italian-style organ case, housing an organ built in 1666 thanks to the generosity of the Pretti family of Saint-Ambroise.

The side walls of the sanctuary feature 18th-century stalls and, on the gospel side, three paintings, including a Black Madonna surrounded by saints from 1639. On the epistle side, a triptych altarpiece includes a central panel depicting Saint John the Baptist, Saint Michael the Archangel, and Saint Peter as the sovereign pontiff, restored in 1565 by the Monegasque painter Antoine Manchello.

The Chapels and Their Treasures

The lateral naves, each with a vault height of 10 meters, culminate in large niches housing altarpieces adorned with 17th-century stuccoes. The eastern nave features a painting of a Black Madonna and two saints by Jacques Vento, an ex-voto for a plague recovery, while the western nave displays a Flight into Egypt by Jean-Augustin Vento.

The basilica's chapels, serving as burial sites for Menton's patrician families, are adorned with magnificent trompe-l'œil paintings created by local artists. Notable chapels include the Chapel of the Souls in Purgatory, with its marble altar and royal crown canopy, and the Chapel of the Holy Cross, featuring a painting by the Genoese artist Orazio de Ferrari.

Other chapels, such as the Chapel of the Assumption, the Chapel of Saint Anthony of Padua, and the Chapel of Saint Joseph, house remarkable works of art, including paintings by Bernardin Puppo and the knight Ferrari. The Chapel of Our Lady of Grace, built in the 18th century, features a painting that preserves a view of old Menton in 1848.

The basilica's final chapel, the Chapel of the Sacred Heart, is a 19th-century addition with a triptych altarpiece depicting the Apparition of Christ to Marguerite-Marie Alacoque, various saints, and the Sacred Heart of Mary. The chapel's vault is decorated with stucco and trompe-l'œil paintings, adding to its charm.

A Timeless Jewel

The Basilique Saint-Michel-Archange is not just an architectural marvel; it is a living testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Menton. Its walls echo with centuries of history, art, and devotion, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the picturesque town of Menton. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or a spiritual seeker, the basilica offers a unique and unforgettable experience that will leave you in awe of its timeless beauty.